Tashawn Bernard, a 12-year-old African American child from Lansing, Michigan, was reportedly detained and placed in a police car by accident while bringing out the trash at his house. The event sparked widespread outrage, prompting the police department to apologize.
A police officer approached Tashawn with a revolver drawn, assuming he was involved in a series of car thefts, according to ABC News. The situation was captured on shocking video as many cops and cars arrived, leading to a tense confrontation between Tashawn’s father, Michael, and the police.
The incident aroused controversy when video was uploaded on social media, gaining over 3.5 million views in a single day. Tashawn is seen in handcuffs minutes after throwing away his trash.
Tashawn’s father approached the scene, apparently concerned, as the event progressed. The camera did not capture all of the conversation well, but Michael could be heard voicing his displeasure with what was going on.
According to Tashawn’s family attorney, the incident traumatized the young kid to the point where he now feels uncomfortable walking outside to receive the mail.
The event sparked widespread outrage, prompting both the local police department and the mayor to publish comments expressing remorse and explaining the wrongful imprisonment.
Tashawn was deemed to match the description of a suspect wearing neon green shorts and a white top, according to investigators. His family’s attorney, however, contested this, claiming that Tashawn was actually wearing a grey shirt.
The legal representatives for the Bernard family are currently considering their options, including the potential of bringing a lawsuit. They added that they have received no new information from the police other than what has been shared on social media.
Later, the Lansing Police Department issued statements about the incident, suggesting a “wrong place, wrong time” scenario, but a subsequent statement supported the arrest, emphasizing that it was an unfortunate misunderstanding. The police chief apologized for the incident’s impact on Tashawn and his family, urged the community to evaluate all of the facts.