The viral video of a Memphis woman seen on video getting grabbed and tackled to the ground by police officers, has left local leaders demanding answers.
What We Know:
- A motorist called police for help after seeing Kesha Gray, 29, being choked and punched by a man in an apparent domestic violence situation. The motorist, who thought Gray was being kidnapped, reportedly was able to scare the man off by brandishing a weapon.
- When police arrived, Gray refused to give officers her name or provide them with details to fill out a complaint, according to FOX 13 Memphis. This doesn’t appear to violate Tennessee law. News reports say in Tennessee, police can’t force a person to identify themselves unless they are being accused of a particular crime.
- The video shows Gray attempting to walk away from Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies, then she was grabbed by the arm, tackled to the ground and subsequently charged with resisting arrest.
- Now Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer is questioning Gray’s arrest and treatment by police. Sawyer told FOX 13 Memphis that from what she can see on the video, the arrest was not necessary. She is calling for an investigation.
- “It took me back to the first time I saw Sandra Bland,” said Sawyer. “I think the force and languages used and the lack of care was extreme.”
- Sawyer stated that police should have been able to deescalate the situation after seeing that Gray was clearly distraught, and should have taken particular care to keep their distance considering concerns about contracting or spreading the coronavirus.
Gray was also charged with assault, disorderly conduct and obstructing a highway, which are all misdemeanors. Sawyer is calling for all charges to be dropped.
