In a disheartening repetition of events, another incident involving the police and a vaper has occurred on the famous Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland. Two years after four black teenagers were beaten, tasered, and arrested for vaping, a similar confrontation unfolded last week involving a Washington, D.C. man. This article explores the incident, sheds light on the ban on smoking and vaping in Ocean City, and delves into the growing concerns over violence directed towards vapers. The increased fear surrounding vaping has led to multiple instances of aggressive encounters involving law enforcement and school officials. As flavored vape bans gain momentum and the FDA plans to outlaw menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, the potential for further clashes between nicotine users and police looms ahead.
Ocean City's Ban on Vaping
Ocean City, Maryland, has imposed a ban on smoking and vaping on both its beach and boardwalk. This regulation was enacted in 2015, with City Manager David Recor assuring the public that confrontations involving violence would not occur as a result of the ban. However, recent events have cast a shadow of doubt on these assurances.
The Confrontation: Denzel Elam Ruff's Experience
On July 5, Denzel Elam Ruff, a 34-year-old golf coach, found himself at the center of a troubling encounter with the Ocean City police. Ruff was approached by officers while vaping on the boardwalk and instructed to cease the activity. According to the police, Ruff refused the order and deliberately continued vaping. Subsequently, he resisted arrest.
A video captured on a cell phone shows three police officers struggling to handcuff Ruff. They eventually threw him to the ground, pinned him down, and one officer even delivered a punch to his head while he was restrained. Ruff was subsequently arrested and faced charges of disorderly conduct, resisting/interfering with an arrest, second-degree assault, and failure to provide proof of identification, as reported by TV station WUSA9.
Police Department's Response and Controversial Past Incidents
The Ocean City Police Department defended their actions by stating that their officers are authorized to use force in the face of resistance, in accordance with their training. The department further emphasized that all uses of force undergo a comprehensive review process.
It is worth noting that a review conducted by the department in 2021 found no wrongdoing by officers involved in a previous incident. During that altercation, one teenage vaper was forcefully tackled and repeatedly struck in the ribs, while another had a taser deployed on him despite raising his hands above his head. Both individuals were also charged with resisting arrest and other offenses.
The Growing Trend of Violence Against Vapers
The intensified moral panic surrounding vaping since 2018 has fostered a climate where incidents of violence against vapers have become increasingly common. Tragically, many of these incidents involve law enforcement personnel and school officials. The apprehension and fear associated with vaping have led to a concerning pattern of aggressive encounters.
The Future Outlook
As flavored vape bans continue to spread and the FDA plans to outlaw menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, the potential for Drug War-style enforcement leading to violent confrontations between police and nicotine users becomes more pronounced. The restrictions on vaping and the wider context of substance control policies have created an environment where clashes and confrontations can escalate rapidly.
FAQs
1. Are smoking and vaping banned on Ocean City's boardwalk? Yes, smoking and vaping are prohibited on the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland.
2. What happened during the confrontation between Denzel Elam Ruff and the police? Denzel Elam Ruff, a golf coach from Washington, D.C., was vaping on the Ocean City boardwalk when approached by police officers. He allegedly refused to stop vaping and resisted arrest, resulting in a physical altercation captured on video.
3. Were there previous incidents of violence against vapers in Ocean City? Yes, in 2021, four black teenagers were beaten, tasered, and arrested by Ocean City police for vaping on the boardwalk. There have been other incidents involving violence against vapers in the past.
4. How does the Ocean City Police Department justify the use of force? The Ocean City Police Department states that their officers are authorized to use force when faced with resistance, as per their training. They assure the public that all uses of force undergo a detailed review process.
5. What is the concern regarding vaping and violence? The growing fear and moral panic surrounding vaping have led to an increase in violent encounters involving vapers. This includes incidents involving law enforcement and school officials. With further restrictions on vaping and potential bans on flavored products, the risk of clashes between nicotine users and the police may continue to rise.
