Police Brutality Seen During Walmart Black Friday Arrest?

(Note: Video credit goes to David Chadd of CNNs i-reporters)

According to Greg Botelho of CNN, in Buckeye, Arizona, an incident arose between police and a 54 year old man, identified as Jerald Newman, at the local Walmart. Newman, was shopping at Walmart with his grandson and was waiting in line for the video game section to open.

As soon as the games were available to grab, Newman and his grandson joined in the mass chaos to collect games of their choice. However, according to reports, Newman’s grandson was pushed aside in the foray of shoppers and could not reach the games he wanted. Because of this, Newman grabbed a game his grandson wanted and hid it underneath his shirt so that others could not get it. A shopper next to him saw this and screamed he was shop lifting. This caused police to rush over and make an arrest.

According to the article by Botelho, David Chadd made a statement saying that he saw Jerald being cooperative and not resisting as he was being escorted away from the crowd. However, shortly after, Jerald was reportedly seen being thrown to the ground by an officer. His face hit first and he was knocked unconscious, with blood all over the floor and his face. To see the actual video footage shot by David Chadd click here. (Warning: The video contains graphic footage and may be inappropriate for children)

After watching the video, I was appalled at what I saw. The image of Newman on the floor, bloodied and unconscious was grueling. Blood was pouring out as Newman was knocked unconscious and handcuffed. Did police go too far? Was it necessary to throw him to the ground as the way they did? In my opinion, I think it was a bit too much. Although the video posted does not show what occurred prior to the throw down, I think it is evident that perhaps the officers got a little out of hand. All this rough-stuff over a shoplifting claim? If you watch the video, you can hear people in the background yelling and screaming, asking if all that was necessary.

Although Newman was later treated and released from County jail, it makes me wonder if Police Officers actually did their jobs. Is it not their motto to ‘Serve and Protect’? Were they really protecting the interests of the shoppers on Black Friday? What about Newman’s grandson, who was supposedly tossed aside by the fury of shoppers? Did the officers observe that? Did they try and come to the aid of the child? However, as soon as someone states there is a shoplifter, officers rush to the scene. I am glad to see that an investigation is forthcoming for the incident that happened at the Walmart in Buckey, Arizona. What do you think? You be the judge.

(Credit goes to David Chadd for the video and Greg Botelho for the report)


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