Police Chief Apologizes After Officer Handcuffs 12-Year-Old Boy in Michigan
The police chief in Lansing, Michigan, has issued an apology following widespread criticism of his department over a viral video showing an officer handcuffing a 12-year-old boy during a search for a suspected vehicle thief. The incident has sparked outrage among community members and led to calls for accountability.
According to the boy’s family, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the 12-year-old had just put trash into a dumpster outside his home. A police officer approached him and immediately handcuffed him, claiming that his clothing matched the description of a suspect. The boy, who is black, was wearing a T-shirt and neon shorts at the time.
A bystander captured the incident on video, which quickly went viral, amassing over 5 million views. The footage shows the handcuffed boy being escorted to a police vehicle while his father questions the officer about the reason for his son’s arrest. The video has heightened concerns about racial profiling and the use of excessive force by law enforcement.
The boy’s family’s attorneys have stated that he was traumatized by the incident and no longer feels safe going outside. The video has sparked a wave of condemnation against the Lansing Police Department for its mishandling of the situation and the negative impact it has had on the young boy.
In response to the backlash, the police department released a statement describing the incident as an “unfortunate case of ‘wrong place, wrong time.'” They also shared blurred images of the boy and the actual suspect, asserting that their outfits were “very similar.” Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee issued a formal apology to the boy and his family on the same day as the incident.
Sosebee expressed regret over the incident and acknowledged the impact it had on all parties involved. He emphasized the need for improved communication and the sharing of information in order to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The police department explained that officers were investigating multiple car thefts when a witness reported seeing someone matching the suspect’s description. An officer subsequently spotted the 12-year-old, who was wearing a similar outfit, and approached him with his gun unholstered. The boy’s family attorneys have raised concerns about the officer’s approach, arguing that it was unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
The boy’s father, Michael Bernard, expressed his shock at finding his son handcuffed by the police. After questioning the officer, he was informed that his son was released once the officer realized he was not the suspect they were seeking. The entire interaction lasted about four minutes, according to the video evidence.
While the officer on the scene apologized for the misunderstanding, the incident has prompted the Bernard family to consider taking legal action against the Lansing Police Department. Their attorneys argue that the incident has violated the boy’s rights and caused emotional distress.
In his statement, Chief Sosebee assured the public that the officer involved acted respectfully and professionally during the investigation. However, community members and activists are demanding further accountability and reforms within the Lansing Police Department.
As of now, the police department has not announced any arrests in connection with the string of stolen vehicles. The incident involving the 12-year-old boy has shed light on the need for improved police training and oversight to prevent similar occurrences in the future.