Neighbors: Phila. police crash baby shower

As dozens of North Philadelphia neighbors were about to play "Winner Takes All" at a weekend baby shower, a violent confrontation with police ensued.

Before the raffle winner could be announced, three men were arrested. At least six others alleged they were beaten with a baton or subdued with pepper spray while dozens of officers converged on the party Saturday night in the 2400 block of West Master Street.

Police came to assist a distressed officer who said he was facing the angry crowd at the baby shower and a nearby church gathering that had attracted more than 150 people of all ages, including babies and the elderly.

"Just one policeman caused everything to go out of control," said Barry Stroman, who was at the party for his pregnant daughter, Lacrecia Tindley.

He said he was struck in the hands, arms and one leg with a baton as police arrested his son, Jamar Stroman. "It was just out of hand."

Jamar Stroman, 24, of the 1800 block of Hoffman Street, is charged with possession of narcotics with intent to deliver, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and related offenses, police said.

Andre "Bennie" Williams, 26, of the 5600 block of Lincoln Drive, and Joe McLean, 43, of Norristown, are charged with hindering apprehension and related offenses, police said.

Chief Inspector Joseph DiLacqua said the Internal Affairs Bureau was investigating.

William Johnson, executive director of the Police Advisory Commission, a civilian board that oversees the Police Department, said the commission also was investigating.

"I'm mostly concerned about the actions of one officer who was identified by all six complainants," Johnson said. He said that other officers, including supervisors, also would come under scrutiny.

Two of those at the scene - Thomas Schaffling and Sean Bascom - recently were the subject of an investigation following the nationally televised May 5 police beating of three suspects.

Schaffling was to receive special training on the use of force, while Bascom was suspended for five days for striking one of the suspects.

John McNesby, president of Lodge 5 of the Fraternal Order of Police, the union that represents officers, said he was sure the officers would be cleared.

"I don't think there's anything here that shows any real police brutality," McNesby said. "Officers are allowed to use force to effect an arrest as long as it's reasonable."

Schaffling and Bascom could not be reached for comment.

Lt. Frank Vanore of the Public Affairs Unit said Schaffling and Bascom, assigned to the Strike Force Unit, were among several officers who witnessed a drug transaction about 9:40 p.m.

Schaffling chased the suspect into a fenced lot where the crowded baby shower was happening, Vanore said. The crowd grew hostile as Schaffling - who at one point was being choked - was trying to arrest the suspect, he said.

"This was a really out-of-control situation," Vanore said, adding that a triple assist call, which is rare, prompted dozens of officers to respond.

According to several people at the party, the fleeing suspect ran past the gathering, and Schaffling ended up grabbing one of the partygoers, Jamar Stroman. They said Stroman tried to get out of the way but ended up being held by Schaffling - in a choke hold with a baton - who frantically called for backup.

One witness, Ann Williams, said that when other officers arrived, and after Stroman was already handcuffed in a police cruiser, Schaffling started swinging his baton and cursing people as other officers watched, some laughing.

Dionne Whitaker said she was holding her 18-month-old daughter, Adima, when the two were burned with pepper spray. Stroman's sister, Monique Tindley, yesterday showed four bruises on her arm where she said she was hit with a baton.

Neighbors said they thought McLean was trying to get his daughters inside when police pounced on him.

Andre Williams, they said, was walking by and asked Schaffling to be careful around his 4-year-old son when he was beaten and arrested.

The Rev. Albertis Ford of the Faith Tabernacle Church of God said his annual church meeting and feast was ending when he saw Williams on the ground, surrounded by police.

"I said, 'Oh, look how they're doing that poor child,' " Ford said.