Ogden SRO Under Investigation After Video Shows Him Pushing Student Against Lockers

⚖️ Ogden SRO Under Investigation After Video Shows Him Pushing Student Against Lockers

OGDEN, Utah — A viral cellphone video showing an Ogden High School resource officer, identified by the student as Officer Zachary Young, forcibly pushing 16-year-old Zachary “Zack” Zinsky into a locker has triggered an internal use-of-force investigation and renewed debate about police presence in schools.

🎥 The Incident

On October 3, 2023, video surfaced on social media depicting an Ogden High School resource officer forcefully grabbing Zack Zinsky and pressing him against hallway lockers. According to the student and his mother, the incident followed a vaping infraction. After Zack handed the device to the officer and was told to go to the office, he momentarily resisted and used profanity—at which point the officer responded with physical force. Zack told KSL-TV:

“I kind of turned around and I was like, ‘Yo, that (expletive) ain’t cool…’” standard.net+4ksl.com+4ksl.com+4

In the footage, Zinsky is seen pinned against lockers as the officer asserts control. The encounter provoked outrage from Zack's mother, Melissa Zinsky, who stated:

“I don’t want to see anyone manhandle my child like that. … I would like the officer to be held accountable for his actions.” kslnewsradio.com+3ksl.com+3ksl.com+3

🛑 Use-of-Force Review and Potential Charges

The Ogden Police Department has confirmed that the incident is under internal review. A department statement acknowledged the viral video and noted:

“At this time there are both internal reviews of the incident along with potential criminal charges for the student involved… This is an active and ongoing investigation.” standard.net+2kslnewsradio.com+2kslnewsradio.com+2kslnewsradio.com+4ksl.com+4standard.net+4

Retired Deputy Chief Chris Bertram observed that Zack’s threat, though verbal, may have triggered the officer's reaction:

“That is a threat. And so I think the officer, under those circumstances, may react the way he did.” standard.net+8ksl.com+8ksl.com+8

⚖️ Broader Implications & Community Concerns

The incident renews the debate over the appropriateness of school resource officers (SROs). While supporters highlight their role in safety and crime prevention, critics argue their presence may lead to criminalization of typical student behavior. Traditionally, Ogden SROs have an excellent rapport with students, often credited with responding swiftly to emergencies, such as the 2023 false active-shooter threat standard.net.

However, Governor’s calls for independent oversight in cases like these have grown louder. Zack's mother said this case "breaks my heart," and has emphasized that the incident could damage students’ sense of safety and trust in authority within educational environments .

🔍 Next Steps

• Investigation Ongoing: The department’s internal affairs unit continues reviewing the officer’s conduct.

• Potential Legal Actions: Zack may face charges related to his verbal threat. The officer’s actions will be weighed under school district policies and state law.

• Policy Review: Civic leaders and parents are pushing for independent review of SRO practices and force protocols within schools.

✅ Bottom Line

What began as a discipline matter over vaping has escalated into a community-wide conversation about the boundaries of policing in schools. With public scrutiny and competing perspectives, Ogden faces a critical examination of how students are treated and protected in environments meant to foster safety and learning.

This story will be updated as investigations unfold and any resulting policy changes or legal filings emerge.