The actor was mistaken for a suspect and says he was sprayed with an incapacitating liquid and was thrown to the ground and kicked by officers in September.
The I-O-P-C also says it doesn’t believe he was treated in a discriminatory manner because he was black.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “I want to acknowledge the impact that this incident has had on Reece Richards. He was an innocent bystander and this would have been a frightening experience.
“Mr Richards’ complaint detailed his understandable belief that he was detained and arrested because he was Black, although the suspects were White. We found that officers were responding to a fast-moving incident and – given the only description of the suspects was that one was wearing dark clothing and their location – it was reasonable that the officer who saw Mr Richards and detained him thought he was a suspect.
“The evidence indicated that the officers’ use of force was reasonable in the circumstances they encountered and perceived and Mr Richards was de-arrested as soon officers confirmed he was not involved.”
Met Police Commander Owain Richards said: “We are pleased the IOPC was able to determine the officers acted in good faith and appropriately. This was a fast-moving incident during which they were trying to detain three men who had fled from police during a pursuit. Their use of force was reasonable in the circumstances.
“Mr Richards was swiftly de-arrested as soon as officers confirmed he was not a suspect, but we absolutely acknowledge how distressing it must have been to be caught up in such an incident.
“We would be happy to meet him to discuss what happened should he wish to do so.”
