Michigan Police Arrest 12-Year-Old Boy in “Unfortunate Misunderstanding” Case
Lansing, Michigan – A TikTok video depicting Michigan police arresting a 12-year-old boy and placing him in handcuffs has sparked outrage and accusations of racial profiling. The incident, described as an “unfortunate misunderstanding” by authorities, was a result of a foot chase involving a suspect wanted in a suspected vehicle theft.
The video, which has garnered millions of views on TikTok and various social media platforms, shows a young Black male wearing neon yellow shorts and a white t-shirt being detained by a police officer outside an apartment complex. The individual’s father can be heard expressing his distress over the traumatizing experience. However, the boy was later released to his father after being placed in a police vehicle.
According to the TikTok video posted by user careyann372, the incident occurred when the boy was simply throwing away garbage. The video, lasting just over 4 minutes, does not specify the exact location where the incident took place.
In response to the video, Mayor of Lansing Andy Schor and local police released three statements, addressing the concerns raised by the incident. Lawyers for the family of Tashawn Bernard, the 12-year-old boy, requested that the police take down their Facebook post, as it misrepresents the color of Tashawn’s shirt. The lawyers argue that the police were actually searching for a suspect wearing a white shirt, whereas Tashawn’s shirt was gray.
Lansing police initially explained the situation on their social media accounts, stating that officers were investigating a series of car thefts when they encountered a subject matching the description of the suspect. However, it was later confirmed that the young man in the viral video was not the individual they were looking for, and he was subsequently released.
The incident has garnered significant attention on social media, with many expressing outrage over the boy’s detainment and questioning the number of officers involved. The Lansing Police Department (LPD) expressed their hope to put the incident behind them, emphasizing their commitment to community relations.
In a statement attributed to Police Chief Ellery Sosebee, LPD emphasized their ongoing efforts to address car thefts in the city and apologized for the impact the incident had on Tashawn and his family. Chief Sosebee affirmed that the officer who detained the young man was respectful and professional during the investigation.
Mayor Schor also issued an apology, acknowledging the mistake made by the Lansing Police Department. He pledged to provide resources and support to the family, acknowledging the trauma experienced by Tashawn. The attorneys representing the family stated that they would explore all legal options, including the possibility of a lawsuit, to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.
The incident has sparked a debate about racial profiling and the need for improved police-community relations. The family’s attorneys criticized the police for not directly apologizing to Tashawn and called for meaningful actions to rectify the situation.
As the investigation continues and discussions regarding police reform persist, community members hope for accountability and positive changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.