Formal apology sought in ATL Eagle raid

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Patrons of a midtown Atlanta gay bar arrested in a raid last September should get a formal apology from the city.

That's according to city councilor Michael Julian Bond. He's introduced a resolution that also urges charges be dropped in the case.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports

The Atlanta Police Department arrested eight Atlanta Eagle employees. They've been charged with operating without a proper permit.

However, councilor Bond argues no drugs or major criminal activity was found during the raid. And he's concerned about complaints from Eagle patrons and employees that they were harassed.

BOND: "And abusing drunken patrons at a club is not what I would consider effective use of police."

The patrons have filed formal complaints with the city. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says an investigation into those complaints is ongoing.

REED: "I believe as Mayor, I will take appropriate action if it's determined that the city of Atlanta behaved inappropriately after the investigation."

The city council's public safety committee takes up Bond's resolution next week.

Charles Edwards, WABE News.