News

Multiple Cops Forcefully Detain Young Black Man For Allegedly Jaywalking (Video)

by John Haltiwanger

A disturbing video emerged of a young black male, who was not named and whose age is unconfirmed, being forcefully detained by nine police officers in Stockton, California after allegedly jaywalking.

According to International Business Times, witnesses claim a police officer told the male to sit down after the cop saw him jaywalk. When he failed to comply, the officer moved in, grabbed him and took out a baton.

In the video, the officer can be seen cornering someone who appears to be a teen and pressing the baton against his legs.

The young man curls up in fetal position and can be heard sobbing as the officer yells,

Stop resisting!

A perturbed bystander screams,

It's a f*cking kid. For f*cking jaywalking?... Don't touch him, leave him alone.

At some point, the officer calls for backup, and eight other police officers arrive to detain the teenager.

After being shoved on the ground, the teen is handcuffed and taken to a police car. He seems baffled by the situation throughout the video.

Jaywalking is considered an infraction under California law, and since 2010, the fine can be as high as $191.

Given this, one wonders what inspired the officer to remove his baton when approaching the teen after he jaywalked. Simply put, is there any reason nine police officers were required to arrest a teenager who reportedly didn't even commit a misdemeanor?

This troubling encounter occurred as the country continues to grapple with evident racial tensions, particularly in relation to police brutality. Accordingly, while we don't currently have all the facts, this seems to be yet another example of the use of excessive force by American police.

Watch the video of the incident below.

Citations: Police Brutality California It Takes 9 Stockton Officers To Arrest 1 Teen For Jaywalking (International Business Times), Jaywalking (California Legal News)