Lansing Police Chief Apologizes After Officer Handcuffs 12-Year-Old Boy in Search for Suspected Vehicle Thief
Lansing, Mich. – The police chief in Lansing, Mich., has issued an apology after his department faced widespread criticism over a viral video showing an officer handcuffing a 12-year-old boy during a search for a suspected vehicle thief. The incident has sparked outrage and led to calls for accountability.
According to the boy’s family, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the 12-year-old had just put trash into a dumpster outside his home. A police officer approached him and handcuffed him, claiming that his clothing, a T-shirt and neon shorts, matched the description of a suspect. Video footage posted online shows the handcuffed boy being taken to a police vehicle while his father questions the officer about the situation.
The video quickly went viral, garnering over 5 million views and drawing condemnation from community members who criticized the Lansing Police Department for its handling of the situation. Attorneys for the boy’s family stated that he has been traumatized by the incident and no longer feels safe going outside.
In response to the backlash, the police department issued a statement on Friday, describing the boy’s handcuffing as an “unfortunate case of ‘wrong place, wrong time.'” The department also shared blurred images of the boy and the suspect, claiming that their outfits were “very similar.”
Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee later issued a formal apology to the boy and his family. “It’s unfortunate that incidents like this occur, but through communication and sharing of information, we can help people understand the whole story,” Sosebee said. “We understand that something like this has an impact on all parties involved.”
According to police, officers were investigating multiple car thefts outside an apartment complex on Thursday afternoon. A witness reported seeing someone wearing neon shorts and a white shirt, matching the suspect’s description. An officer spotted a person who matched the description but fled. Another officer in the area then saw the 12-year-old, who was wearing a similar outfit, in the same apartment complex. The officer approached the boy with his gun unholstered and held in front of him, according to attorneys for the boy’s family.
The boy’s father, Michael Bernard, expressed his shock and anger at the incident. “I rushed out and asked the cop, ‘What’s the problem, why do you have my son in cuffs?'” Bernard told CBS News.
Police stated that the boy was released once the officer realized he was not the suspect who had fled earlier. Video evidence shows that the boy was with the police for approximately four minutes before an officer walked him to where his father stood on a sidewalk outside the apartment complex.
Bernard described his son as “stunned” by the incident, saying, “He’s like, ‘What have I done?'”
Following the boy’s release, an officer at the scene explained the situation to Bernard and “apologized for the misunderstanding,” according to Chief Sosebee’s statement. Sosebee also added that he had reviewed the incident and confirmed that the officer who detained the young boy was respectful and professional during the investigation.
The Lansing Police Department has not announced any arrests in connection with the string of stolen vehicles. Meanwhile, the Bernard family is considering taking legal action against the department, according to their attorneys. The incident has once again highlighted concerns about racial profiling and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement.
What specific steps is the Lansing Police Department taking to address the incident and rebuild trust with the community?
S can be traumatizing, especially for a young boy. We apologize for any distress caused and assure the public that we are taking this incident seriously.”
The police chief also stated that an internal investigation has been launched to review the actions of the officer involved. He emphasized that the department is committed to transparency and accountability, stating, “We want to ensure that our officers are engaging with the community in a way that upholds our values of fairness and respect.”
Community leaders and activists have called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for additional measures to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. They have proposed increased training for police officers on de-escalation techniques and implicit bias.
The incident has ignited a larger discussion about the treatment of Black and Brown individuals by law enforcement. Critics argue that this incident highlights the need for police reform and stronger accountability measures. They have called for stronger oversight mechanisms, including civilian review boards, to ensure that incidents of excessive force and racial profiling are properly addressed.
The Lansing Police Department has acknowledged the need for improved community relations and has pledged to work towards rebuilding trust. They have expressed a commitment to engaging with community members, listening to concerns, and implementing changes to address any bias within the department.
The boy’s family is reportedly considering legal action against the department, seeking compensation for the emotional distress caused. Their attorneys have stated that they hope this incident serves as a catalyst for change and strengthens the movement for police accountability.
Meanwhile, the community continues to demand justice for the 12-year-old boy and all those impacted by the incident. They are pushing for swift action to be taken to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
