Who is Tashawn Bernard? Michigan police apologize for accidentally arresting boy, 12, mistaken for a car thief
LANSING, MICHIGAN: A startling incident unfolded in Michigan, as shocking footage captured cops handcuffing and apprehending a 12-year-old Black boy, Tashawn Bernard.
The boy was mistaken to be a suspect in a series of car thefts and was taken into custody after being confronted by a cop wielding a gun while taking out the trash outside his home.
The incident, caught on video, portrays the distressing scene as multiple officers and vehicles converged on the site. The boy's father, Michael, expressed his dismay at the ordeal, leading to a heated exchange with the officers involved.
Who is Tashawn Bernard?
The arrest was sparked by a supposed resemblance between Bernard and the suspect's description, which officials said matched his outfit of neon green shorts and a white shirt.
However, Bernard's family attorneys challenged this assertion, asserting that the boy was wearing a grey shirt at the time.
The video has garnered widespread attention, prompting the police department and mayor to issue statements of regret and explanation, as the incident received severe backlash.
Bernard's family attorneys, Rico and Ayanna Neal, disclosed that the 12-year-old has been profoundly affected by the incident as he "does not want to go outside... even to get the mail" due to the "traumatizing" experience. The video amassed over 3.5 million views on TikTok.
Tashawn Bernard's harrowing encounter with the police
The video showed Bernard taking the trash out when he was placed in handcuffs shortly after. As the boy lowers his head and speaks to the officer, his father could be seen rushing out, exclaiming, "I'm his dad."
During a virtual press conference on Friday, August 11, Michael recounted that he sensed something was amiss when his son took longer than usual to complete the chore. By the time Michael reached the scene, he found cops surrounding his son.
Witnessing his son being led across the parking lot in handcuffs, Michael reacted by covering his face with his hands as the officers appeared to provide an explanation for the arrest.
While portions of the video lack audio clarity due to the filming distance, Michael's voice can be heard growing louder as he listens to the officers justifying the detention.
"You always use that excuse, man," Michael was heard saying, adding, "It doesn't matter—once you're Black, you match any description, bottom line."
As Michael continued to argue with the cop, Bernard was guided away from his father and into a police vehicle while still restrained.
At that moment, additional officers, possibly summoned during the prior pursuit, arrive on the scene, with multiple police SUVs joining the assembly in the parking lot.
Observing that the arrest was being recorded by an onlooker, Michael walks toward them, his hands outstretched, expressing his dissatisfaction with the unfolding incident, deeming it "b******t."
"They're traumatizing my son," Michael said, a sentiment echoed by the person behind the camera, who said that the arrest was "some wrong s**t."
Another voice from behind the camera chimes in, remarking on the significant police presence for a child. Meanwhile, Bernard is eventually released from the car and his handcuffs removed by four officers surrounding him.
Lansing Police Department faces backlash
After speaking to officers for approximately a minute, Bernard rushes back to his father on the sidewalk. As the officers slowly approach, someone comments "now they about to tell lies."
Overwhelmed with emotion, the boy stands by his father in tears, while Michael gestures for the officers to approach so he could express his grievances toward them.
The Bernard family is exploring legal avenues, including the possibility of a lawsuit, in response to the incident. The Lansing Police Department faced backlash for its initial statements describing the arrest as a "wrong place, wrong time" situation.
Authorities released follow-up statements, attempting to explain the situation and highlighting the "unfortunate misunderstanding" that led to Bernard's wrongful arrest.