The Met Police have referred themselves to the watchdog following the incident
Ricardo Dos Santos has shared shocking dashcam footage after he was pulled over by the police for a second time.
The Portuguese sprinter was stopped in west London in the early hours of Sunday, when the Metropolitan Police said officers thought he was using his phone while driving.
The athlete posted dashcam clips of the incident on Twitter, expressing annoyance and accusing the force of over-policing due to the presence of seven armed officers.
UPDATE: In relation to a vehicle stop in Orsett Terrace, W2 on Sunday, we've now recorded this matter as a public complaint.
We've also referred it on a voluntary basis to the IOPC, recognising the public interest.
We await their views on how they may wish to take this forward.
— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) August 15, 2022
In a statement on Monday, the Metropolitan Police said: “We have now recorded this matter as a public complaint.
“We have also referred it on a voluntary basis to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, recognising the public interest.
“We await their views on how they may wish to take this forward.”
Mr Dos Santos and his partner, Bianca Williams, a Team GB athlete, were previously stopped while driving with their baby in Maida Vale, west London, two years ago.
Not surprised I had to go through this again. Whilst driving home last night 7 armed @metpoliceuk officers stopped me because they thought I was on my phone whilst driving. At their request I pulled over when safe to do so. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Px2KSJZQi8
— Ricardo Dos Santos (@RDSS400) August 14, 2022
An acting police sergeant and four police constables are all facing gross misconduct disciplinary hearings over the incident, that saw the couple handcuffed and details of their baby stored on a police database.
Ms Williams accused the force of racially profiling them.
After I stopped two officers ran towards either side of the car, one fist clenched banged on my window and tried opening the car door. Not knowing how to use a Tesla handle he took out his baton out of frustration ready to smash the glass. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/LDy8fgd1ly
— Ricardo Dos Santos (@RDSS400) August 14, 2022
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