The NAACP is deeply disturbed by reports of an incident involving a 15 year-old girl who was forcefully detained by police while walking with peers in her neighborhood.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the young people involved posed no threat and were engaged in typical activity. Yet, officers reportedly approached the situation with immediate hostility, escalating the encounter to the point where a child was slammed to the ground and restrained with a knee to her neck.
Let’s be clear—this is unacceptable.
No child should be subjected to excessive force. No parent should have to fear that a routine walk to the store could end in violence. Incidents like this erode trust, traumatize families, and reflect a pattern of over-policing and disproportionate treatment that the NAACP has challenged for generations.
We are calling for:
- A full, transparent, and independent investigation into this incident • The immediate release of body camera footage • Accountability for all officers involved when misconduct is confirmed • A review of use-of-force policies, especially as they relate to minors
Call to Action:
We urge community members to remain engaged and vigilant. Attend local meetings, demand answers, and stand united in calling for justice. We also encourage anyone with additional information or video evidence to come forward.
The NAACP will continue to monitor this situation closely and will take all necessary steps to ensure that this child—and every child—is treated with dignity, respect, and humanity.
Justice for one is justice for all.
For more information, please contact President Darlene Sweeney-Newbern at 419-215 7229