“I was made aware of an incident that occurred earlier today in town which resulted in the injury of an involved person,” Sedona Police Chief Ray Cota stated in an email over the weekend involving a Facebook post on Friday, Dec. 18, in which a Sedona resident alleged he had been “beat by an officer from the Sedona Police Department.”

Cota stated he is currently out of town, but added, “I have been in contact with Lt. Wilcoxson to get briefed on this matter.”

According to the Facebook post, reportedly posted by the the man’s daughter, the man “was harassing some construction workers removing trees from his street that he lives on. He loved the trees and didn’t want them removed.”

The incident allegedly occurred after police arrived at the scene, according to the Facebook post.

“It is always concerning when an individual is injured during an interaction with law enforcement personnel,” Cota stated. “Please be assured that the officers of the Sedona Police Department are well trained in the appropriate use of force and protection of constitutional rights of all persons. The facts of this matter as well as all use of force incidents are closely reviewed at supervisory and management levels to ensure compliance with department procedures, policies, and constitutional rights.

“The facts of this incident will receive the same review which does include my determination if our police officers acted appropriately, reasonably and with due regard to the safety and respect of all involved persons.

“I am aware of numerous Facebook postings that have falsely claimed that the person involved in this incident was ‘beat’ by a Sedona police officer. While these assertions have been made absent of facts, the Police Department remains, as always, receptive and open to any information that a person may believe is important for us to consider or be aware of regarding this matter.”

“Any information can be reported directly to my office at (928) 282-3102” Cota stated.