Town of Groveland Issues Statement Regarding Incident in which Resident was Followed
GROVELAND — Town Finance Director Denise Dembkoski, on behalf of the Town of Groveland, expresses her sincere support for the resident who bravely spoke out after she was followed home by another resident and accused of being suspicious for driving in their neighborhood. The Groveland Police Department has opened a criminal investigation into the mater.
“This situation has given us all a collective pause,” Dembkoski said. “Groveland seeks to be a safe and welcoming community for all. Anyone should be able to drive or walk on any street without being made to feel like a criminal. I join in the outrage and collective anger felt by our residents but am moved by the support offered to the victim in this case.
“It is my sincere hope that our community will see this moment for what it is and come together to participate in a dialog about how we treat one another. It is unacceptable that a young Black woman should have the presumption of wrongdoing for driving in her own hometown–or anyone else’s hometown, neighborhood or street for that matter. No one should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome when they have done nothing wrong, and I am pleased that the Groveland Police Department and Chief Jeffrey Gillen have acted swiftly and aggressively.”
Added Michael Wood, chair of the Groveland Board of Selectmen:
““A vital conversation has been brought to the forefront in the Town of Groveland, and it is imperative that the conversation continues. By working together, the true story of what Groveland represents will not be the actions of one person but of the many, who came together to support the victim in this case.”
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