His controversial arrest was caught on viral video. Now, Rock Hill man again denied bond
A York County judge denied bond Wednesday to Ricky Price, a Rock Hill man whose arrest on June 23 was caught on video that went viral and caused days of race-related protests.
Prosecutors asked the court to deny bond because Price was out on bond at the time of the arrest. The bond was from a 2020 arrest and related charges charges of drugs and weapons violations.
South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Dan Hall said in court he denied bond to Price because Price has a lengthy criminal record of convictions, and the June arrest was a violation of that 2020 bond.
“He was out on bond at the time, which is a violation of the prior bond,” Hall said.
Ricky Price now faces charges of resisting arrest, possession of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and a traffic violation. He has been in jail since June when bond was denied at an initial hearing.
Ricky Price and his brother, Travis, were arrested June 23 by Rock Hill police. A video of the arrests showed both men being subdued by police. Ricky Price, 35, was punched several times in the leg and in the nose by police who claimed they were trying to subdue him. Travis Price was choked and taken to the ground, video showed. The incident called into question the use of force by police.
Sixteenth Circuit Assistant Solicitor Thomas Bowen said in court that Ricky Price punched an officer in the face during the altercation.
Defense lawyer: Police started violence
Ricky Price’s lawyer, York County Public Defender B.J Barrowclough, argued that Price was not a flight risk and should be released on bond. Barrowclough said in court that it is his understanding federal authorities are looking at the case for possible involvement, which could cause delays of months or even years.
Ricky Price should not have to wait in jail for authorities to investigate and determine whether the case is heard in South Carolina or federal court, Barrowclough said.
Barrowclough said Ricky Price did not instigate the violent incident.
”It is clear from the videos from the incident the violence was precipitated by the police,” Barrowclough said in court.
Police body camera videos, surveillance video from a store, and a private video of the arrests have all been released to the public.
Ricky Price did not speak in court Wednesday. He has been jailed without bail since his arrest. After the hearing, Barrowclough said he was disappointed that Ricky Price did not receive a bond.
Charges dropped against brother
Travis Price had been charged with hindering police. That charge was dropped in July, and the arresting officer was fired, arrested and charged with assault and battery.
Travis Price has filed a lawsuit against the city of Rock Hill and South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman over statements made after he was arrested. That lawsuit remains pending..
Travis Price was in court Wednesday with his mother, grandmother and other family, but did not speak.
The family declined to speak to the media after the hearing.
What happens now?
Hall said in court that if nothing happens in the case by October, he would allow Ricky Price to seek bond again. Ricky Price will remain in the York County jail.
Ricky Price, 35, was known to police and had been pulled over for alleged traffic violations, police said in June 23 statements and court testimony on July 2. Police said crack cocaine, marijuana, and a gun was found in Ricky Price’s car. Ricky Price was in custody when Travis Price arrived.
This story was originally published August 11, 2021 at 12:22 PM with the headline "His controversial arrest was caught on viral video. Now, Rock Hill man again denied bond."
