Applebee’s Patron Tackled and Beaten by Police in Case of Mistaken Identity
In a shocking incident of mistaken identity, an Applebee’s patron was tackled to the floor while holding a baby and then beaten by Wisconsin police officers. The real suspects, who were involved in a hit-and-run crash, were hiding in the bathroom at the time.
The incident occurred on July 20 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, when witnesses to the hit-and-run crash reported seeing two black men and a woman carrying a child running into a nearby Applebee’s, according to WISN 12 News.
Police officers entered the restaurant and asked the family to show them the car they arrived in to verify their involvement in the crash. Jennifer Harris, the manager working at Applebee’s that night, explained that an employee informed the officers about a man and woman with a child eating at a table.
However, the man, who was holding his baby, refused to comply with the officers’ questioning. Despite repeatedly being told that he was not under arrest but detained, the man insisted that he needed to change his son’s diaper. In response, the officers tackled him into a wall, causing the baby to hit its head.
Disturbing video footage shows the officers attempting to rip the baby from the man’s arms while he was on the ground. One officer can be seen repeatedly punching the man and demanding that he put his hands behind his back.
Harris, who witnessed the incident, expressed her sadness for the baby’s traumatic experience. She also revealed that the couple had nothing to do with the hit-and-run, yet the man was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting and obstructing an officer. The woman was arrested on the same charges and also faced possession of marijuana charges.
After the ordeal, the actual suspects were found hiding in the bathroom and were subsequently arrested and charged.
The incident has sparked outrage, with community activists protesting outside the Kenosha Safety Building, demanding transparency in the investigation into the officers’ actions. Tanya McLean, the executive director of Leaders of Kenosha, questioned why the officers felt the need to use such force when the man was holding a baby.
The Kenosha Police Department has stated that an internal review is underway to determine if the officers’ use of force exceeded what is required by the state. The department assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary action or additional training will be implemented if necessary.
In a further development, Jennifer Harris, who had been employed by Applebee’s for nearly 12 years, was fired following the incident. The restaurant chain blamed her for sharing the video online and with news outlets. Harris is now being represented by Attorney William Sulton for wrongful termination, but Applebee’s has refused to reinstate her.
This disturbing case of mistaken identity and excessive use of force highlights the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about police conduct and the treatment of individuals, particularly in cases involving mistaken identity.
What steps are being taken by the Kenosha Police Department to hold the officers involved accountable for their use of force?
N repeatedly striking the man, while another officer tries to restrain his legs.
Eventually, the officers managed to handcuff the man and took him outside, leaving the baby unattended on the floor for several minutes. Additional officers arrived at the scene and rushed into the restaurant’s bathroom to apprehend the real suspects, who were hiding there.
The Applebee’s patron, who was later identified as Christopher Harris, suffered several injuries, including a broken nose, cuts and bruises. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. It was later confirmed that he had no involvement in the hit-and-run crash.
The Kenosha Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident. Police Chief Daniel Miskinis has expressed his concern over the officers’ use of force and stated that appropriate action will be taken if any misconduct is found.
Applebee’s has also responded to the incident, saying that the actions of the officers were unacceptable and that they will fully cooperate in the investigation. The company has offered support to Christopher Harris and his family during this difficult time.
This incident has raised serious concerns about racial profiling and police brutality. It is yet another example of the unjust treatment that people of color face in their everyday lives. The fact that the real suspects were apprehended while the innocent patron was subjected to violence speaks to the deep-rooted biases and systemic issues within law enforcement.
As this investigation progresses, it is crucial that the officers involved are held accountable for their actions. It is unacceptable for innocent individuals to suffer such violence and trauma due to mistaken identity. Reforms and training must be implemented to address the racial biases that lead to incidents like these, in order to ensure a fair and just society for all.
