A deeply troubling incident occurred in Reform, Alabama involving Sheriff’s Deputy Dana Elmore and a young man named Micah Washington. The situation began when the officer encountered Washington while he was trying to fix a flat tire.
Video footage, which has gone viral on social media, shows Elmore leading a handcuffed Washington to her vehicle. After laying him over the hood of the car, she can be seen using a taser on him even though he was detained and was not resisting arrest.
A Reform police officer is on administrative leave while the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation looks at the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a man Saturday.
The video shows the officer appearing to remove a gun from the man's waistband. Then, she puts a taser into his back - shoots it - and asks if he wants it again.
The video does not show what lead to the driver's arrest.
Family members who spoke with ABC 3340 news identify the man in the video as 24-year-old Micah Washington. The video was recorded by his younger brother.
Washington is booked in the Pickens County jail on a $500,000 bond. He's charged with obstructing governmental operations, resisting arrest, marijuana possession, ex-felon in possession of a firearm and drug trafficking.
We need to be protecting ourselves and others from abusive officers.
— Doni 🤓🏴🏴☠️ (@DoniTheDon_) December 5, 2023
Self defense is a natural human right. pic.twitter.com/JrLkq4P3Xs
During the encounter, Elmore tells Washington to “shut the f*ck” up and threatens to tase him again.
I bet you she didn't have a warrant and an affidavit to search his person or vehicle in order to steal his weed and gun. She should be sitting in a cell, not him.
— Doni 🤓🏴🏴☠️ (@DoniTheDon_) December 5, 2023
Read the Bill of Rights. pic.twitter.com/pnOZ5NxL7Q
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community among those who believe Elmore violated Washington’s rights. Community members came to the municipal building to hold a rally in support of Washington. Jalexis Rice, Washington’s girlfriend, who witnessed the incident, recounted feeling distressed during the altercation. "She tased him in the back and she was holding it. She was just holding it there until he started crying," Rice said.
Monday afternoon, people in the community gathered outside the Reform Municipal Building for an organized rally. They had signs and spoke about the horror of the situation for those who witnessed it or are friends and family of Washington.
Jalexis Rice, Micah's girlfriend, was in the car and witnessed the incident. She is still horrified - "When I seen it I couldn't do nothing but cry - I couldn't do nothing but cry."
The Reform Police Department has placed Elmore on administrative leave due to the incident. Mayor Melody Davis and Police Chief Richard Black stated that all materials related to the arrest are being turned over to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation for review.
After the footage went viral on social media, some users set up a change.org petition calling for Elmore’s termination. It has received over 500 signatures so far.
The incident in Reform not only highlights concerns about Elmore’s actions but also underscores broader issues of police conduct and the need for accountability in law enforcement. The officer’s fate is not yet known as the investigation into the matter has not yet been concluded.
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