MICHIGAN — A police division in Michigan is facing criticism soon after they handcuffed a 12-12 months-aged who they said in shape the description of a gentleman required for car thefts.
Michael Bernard, the 12 yr-olds father, talked with Lansing law enforcement officers just after they handcuffed his 12-12 months-previous son and place him in the backseat of a law enforcement cruiser.
The incident occurred Thursday at Waverly Park apartments the place Bernard lives with his son, Tashawn.
A neighbor caught the incident on a cellphone and immediately after uploading it to social media, it obtained millions of views and reactions from men and women questioning law enforcement actions.
Bernard, who did not want to go on camera, said he’s heartbroken about his son staying detained.
“I was mad about it, since I was like, my son would under no circumstances crack any legislation. So, I rushed out and requested the cop, what is actually the dilemma, why do you have my son in cuffs? just like that.” Bernard claimed.
Bernard claims he was undertaking dishes and explained to Tashawn to acquire out the trash.
Following using far too lengthy to return, Bernard claims he went outside the house to check on his son.
“So, I get anxious when I failed to see him arrive back inside that period of time of time and I wander out to hear, appear out, and to my surprise, the cops experienced him in handcuffs.” The father said.
Lansing law enforcement stated the 12-12 months-outdated match a description for a male required for current car thefts in the space.
Tashawn explained to his dad law enforcement pulled their guns on him.
“He was shocked mainly because he you should not know what is actually transpiring. He’s like what have I carried out.” The father included.
“Just after dumping the trash in the dumpster, he was approached by a police officer who experienced his gun un-holstered and was keeping it in entrance of him.” Ayanna Neal with Grewal Law said
In a news conference on Friday, the household stated that they are thinking about feasible lawful motion versus the metropolis.
The household is now doing work with an Okemos regulation organization.
“Ideal now we’re discussing and discovering all authorized solutions that are finest suitable for our shopper.” reported Rico Neal with Grewal Law.
Lansing police declined an on-digicam interview but called the incident an regrettable misunderstanding.
The office later posted a statement on their Fb webpage stating in part, “neighborhood relations is a best precedence for us as a department, from top rated-down. Our hope is we can place this unfortunate situation of completely wrong area, mistaken time behind us and carry on to stand for the community that we provide.”
Lansing law enforcement say they are providing help for any trauma that 12-12 months-aged seasoned.
