12-Year-Old Boy Handcuffed During Innocent Act: Mistaken Identity Sparks Outrage
(From left) Rico Neal Family Attorneys, Attorney Ayanna Neal and father Michael Barnard/CNN
2023.08.16 Wednesday | Posted at 19:30 JST
A harrowing incident in Michigan has once again brought attention to the issue of racial profiling. A 12-year-old black boy, innocently carrying out a chore, found himself briefly detained and handcuffed by police. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.
The young boy, identified as Tashawn, was simply taking out the trash from his home when his routine chore took a traumatic turn. Concerned that his son had not returned, his father, Michael Bernard, went outside to investigate. To his shock, he discovered Tashawn handcuffed and in conversation with law enforcement.
Tashawn recounted his terrifying experience, stating that as he was about to return home after depositing the garbage at the designated collection point, a police car approached him. The officer, appearing with his firearm drawn, instilled a deep sense of fear in the young boy.
Witnessing his son in handcuffs, Bernard approached the officers and implored them for an explanation. Unsatisfied with their vague promises to clarify the situation at a later time, Bernard demanded immediate answers, standing up for his frightened son.
The incident gained significant attention after a video capturing the scene went viral on social media, further fueling public condemnation and raising questions about the treatment of minority communities.
According to the Lansing Police, the incident occurred when officers were actively searching for a suspected car thief. Tashawn, unfortunately, bore an uncanny resemblance to the suspect and was seen residing in the same apartment complex.
It should be noted that the suspect, described as wearing fluorescent shorts and a white shirt, did not match Tashawn’s appearance in any way.
Recognizing the grave error committed, the Lansing Police issued an apology to Bernard and his son. Lansing Mayor Andy Shaw also expressed remorse for the distress caused by this unjustified incident.
Bernard’s legal representative emphasized that their client seeks more than mere apologies; he demands accountability for those officers directly involved in his son’s distressing encounter. Following a thorough investigation, Bernard will make an informed decision on whether legal action against the city is warranted.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address racial biases within law enforcement and to implement strategies that foster understanding and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background.
(From left) Rico Neal Family Attorneys, Attorney Ayanna Neal and father Michael Barnard/CNN
2023.08.16 Wednesday Posted at 19:30 JST
(CNN) A 12-year-old black boy from Michigan was briefly detained and handcuffed after he went to take out the trash from his home. The police later apologized, but the boy’s father said the apology was unacceptable.
“I do not accept apologies. There is no reason for my son to be treated like that,” his father, Michael Bernard, told CNN on Thursday.
Bernard, who was washing dishes in the kitchen, worried that his son, Tashawn, had gone to take out the garbage and had not returned, so he went out to see what was happening, and Tashawn was handcuffed and talking. .
Tashawn said he was about to return home after leaving his trash at the collection point when a police car approached him, got out and pulled out his gun.
Barnard said Tashawn was handcuffed and placed in the back seat of a police vehicle. When she asked the police for an explanation, they said they would explain “at some point”, but she insisted, “No, tell me right now.” Mr. Tashaun is scared.
A video of the scene went viral on social media.
(From left) Family Attorneys Rico Neal, Attorney Ayanna Neal and Father Michael Barnard
Police were looking for a suspected car thief at the time, Lansing Police said in a statement Wednesday. The boy was dressed similar to the suspect and was described as being in the same apartment complex where the suspect was seen.
Witnesses said the suspect was wearing fluorescent shorts and a white shirt.
Lansing Police issued a statement Thursday apologizing to Bernard and his son. Lansing Mayor Andy Shaw also apologized.
Barnard’s lawyer insisted that Mr. Bernard wants an apology, but to hold the police officers involved accountable. After investigating the incident, he will decide whether to take legal action against the city.
12-year-old boy handcuffed while picking up litter Police mistake him for suspect
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