"I was scared" - Leon Fontana

Driver who filmed a Met policeman smashing his car windscreen in a case of mistaken identity reveals his 'terror' 

By Amie Gordon and Thomas Burrows

THE DAILY MAIL

Monday 19th September 2016

Summary

Leon Fontana filmed video of police officer telling him to get out of his car.The 25-year-old said he 'didn't feel safe' and refused to leave his vehicle. He was heard telling the officer he had ID before taking keys out of the ignition.

Leon Fontana, 25 was pulled over by a policeman in Camden, London, in a case of mistaken identity. The incident took place on Friday the 17th of September 2016, he says he was out doing errands for his mother.

 Leon posted a video of what had happened on Facebook which has been viewed over one million times.

Policeman involved in incident.

Leon claims he has not been in trouble with the police in over a decade. 

Leon Fontana, 25.

He said he was 'scared', adding the officer was 'very agitated and angry'.  

In the video, the officer can be heard listening to a message over his radio informing him the driver only holds a provisional license - however Mr Fontana has had a full licence for more than two years. 

Leon had told The Sun Newspaper: 

"How he was acting was inappropriate and I was scared for my safety."

He also added:

"They asked me who I am and I told them, I haven't been involved with police since I was a youth, around eight years now. The public should feel safe and I didn't feel safe."

The officer in the clip has since been put on 'restricted duties' and his use of force will be examined, the Met Police has said.


Scotland Yard said officers stopped the car thinking the driver was of interest to them but later realised he was someone else.



What do I think about this article?

In my opinion, I think this creates a negative representation of UK policemen and places them in a bad light because a person would expect a member of the MET Police or any police force to respond/act in a calm matter and not rage and be aggressive towards the suspect. I also think because of this incident, and how the video has gone viral, the view on policemen will leave people questioning their safety and communication with policemen.