Detained elderly complain of handcuff use

MEBANE, N.C., April 16 (UPI) -- Two elderly North Carolina residents who were arrested in Chapel Hill, N.C., last year said being handcuffed by officers was a bit excessive.

The Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer reported Monday that 71-year-old Janie Freeman and her 81-year-old husband, Barry, criticized Chapel Hill police for using handcuffs while arresting them during a protest last December.

"Handcuffing a nonviolent 80-year-old and throwing him in the rear seat of a police car is inappropriate," Freeman said at a recent Chapel Hill Town Council meeting. "Could not the police have escorted us without cuffs?"

The couple was arrested Dec. 15 during a protest at a U.S. Army recruiting station for trespassing.

The newspaper said that while local police maintain that handcuffs merely represent standard procedure, Council Member Cam Hill attempted to downplay the situation for the couple.

"I know it's small solace," Hill said, "but this does enhance your street credibility."