NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A North Charleston Councilmember accused a North Charleston police officer of misconduct after an interaction from a noise complaint lodged at the councilman’s business. The State Law Enforcement Division says no evidence supports the councilman’s claims of criminal activity.
In February, Sgt. James Ryan responded to The Montague Room on Dorchester Road after receiving a noise complaint, according to a North Charleston Police incident report.
In bodycam footage released of the incident, Sgt. Ryan can be heard telling the DJ and other individuals that he could hear the music while at another location on Dorchester Road. He tells the DJ they received a noise complaint and asks him to turn it down.
North Charleston City Councilman Jerome Heyward, who co-owns the lounge, walked up shortly after and discussed the noise situation with the officer, saying he would handle it.
The music stays the same, and Sgt. Ryan returns. Heyward tells Sgt. Ryan that the music is not bothering anyone and will not turn it down. Sgt. Ryan says he will write the DJ a ticket, and then Heyward calls Deputy Chief Karen Cordray.