Philadelphia Official and Husband Released from Custody After Confrontation with State Trooper
A disturbing incident unfolded on the Vine Street Expressway in Philadelphia this weekend, involving a top city official and her husband. Celena Morrison, the executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, and her husband Darius McLean were taken into custody by a Pennsylvania State Police trooper on Saturday morning after a confrontation. However, they have since been released from custody and were not charged with any crimes.
The incident, which was captured on video by Morrison herself and quickly spread on social media, showed McLean lying on the shoulder of the highway, pleading with the trooper to let him go. Morrison could be heard yelling, “I work for the mayor! I work for the mayor!” in an attempt to assert their authority. However, the trooper responded with profanity, telling her to “shut the f— up.” The situation escalated further when Morrison claimed that the trooper had punched her.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker expressed her concern over the incident, calling it “very concerning.” Initially, state police filed several charges against the couple, but these charges were declined by the district attorney’s office pending further review. The couple were subsequently released from custody.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office is currently investigating the incident and has not yet made any charging decisions. Jane Roh, a spokesperson for the DA’s office, stated that officials are looking into all aspects of the confrontation.
Celena Morrison, 51, has been serving as the city’s executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs since 2020, making her the first openly transgender person to lead any city office or department. Her husband, Darius McLean, 35, holds prominent positions within Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community. He is the chief operating officer of the William Way Community Center and director of the Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center.
According to state police, the incident occurred when a trooper stopped Morrison, who was driving a gray Infiniti sedan, for multiple vehicle code violations. The car’s registration was expired and suspended, its windows were illegally tinted, the headlights were not illuminated in the rain, and Morrison was following another driver too closely. McLean, driving a green Dodge sedan, pulled up behind them, leading to a verbal confrontation between him and the trooper.
The video shared online by Morrison’s sister raised questions about the trooper’s actions. In the footage, the trooper is seen attempting to handcuff McLean, who is lying on the wet pavement near the shoulder of the highway. As cars pass by, McLean insists that his hands are behind his back. Meanwhile, Morrison films the exchange and pleads with the trooper to release her husband, emphasizing that she works for the mayor’s office. McLean can be heard crying and stating, “Please just stop. It’s because I’m Black.” The trooper denies that race is a factor in the arrest.
The situation escalates further when the trooper moves towards Morrison and instructs her to turn around. The camera pans away, and the phone appears to fall to the ground. In the background, Morrison and McLean can be heard screaming. The trooper warns Morrison that she will be tased if she does not comply.
Unfortunately, there is no body camera footage of the incident as the trooper was not equipped with one. However, his vehicle was equipped with a mobile video recorder and microphone.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has not provided further comments on the matter, but her spokesperson expressed her concern for all city employees, including Celena Morrison.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and minority communities. It also raises questions about police accountability and the need for body cameras to ensure transparency in such situations. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what action will be taken regarding the trooper’s conduct and whether charges will be filed against Morrison and McLean.
