Protest of ex-Gang Strike Force cop planned

A group of demonstrators is planning to gather in front of Brooklyn Park City Hall Tuesday to call attention to complaints against a city police officer.

Michelle Gross from Communities United Against Police Brutality said her group has compiled more than two dozen complaints, some involving allegations of brutality, against Sgt. Greg Burstad.

Burstad is a former member of the Metro Gang Strike Force. Earlier this year, a lawsuit against the Strike Force was settled for more than $800,000.

Gross said some of the people with complaints against Burstad were also part of the lawsuit against the Strike Force.

"What they're looking for is some justice here and some real accountability on the part of this officer," Gross said.

The city of Brooklyn Park released a statement in July following the settlement saying allegations against Burstad were never substantiated. However, a police spokesman said Burstad is under internal investigation.

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