In a distressing incident that highlights the perils faced by Black individuals when seeking help from law enforcement, a video has surfaced depicting a white officer arresting a Black mother and her two daughters after her seven-year-old son was choked by a white man. This situation underscores the alarming realities many Black families encounter when they call the police, even when they are the clear victims.
On a Wednesday, Angela Johnson’s son and one of her daughters returned home, claiming that a man from a nearby residence had attempted to choke him. When Johnson confronted the man, he justified his actions by stating he had grabbed the child because he threw a piece of paper on the ground and refused to pick it up. Naturally, Johnson made the call to the police—after all, when your child is harmed by a stranger, reaching out for help seems like the right thing to do. However, for Black individuals, this can often lead to further victimization rather than support.
Angela’s 18-year-old daughter, Mia, recorded the encounter on Facebook Live, acutely aware that having witnesses could be crucial when interacting with law enforcement. The video begins with the officer speaking to the man while Mia warns her mother to remain calm. The tension is palpable; even in the face of such an egregious act against her son, Johnson’s daughter understands that any display of anger could backfire.
As the conversation unfolds, Johnson recounts the incident to the officer, emphasizing that the man had no right to lay hands on her child. The officer’s response, however, was dismissive, suggesting that Johnson should have taught her son not to litter. This shocking reaction only adds fuel to her frustration, as she asserts that regardless of her son’s actions, the man had no justification for his violent behavior.
When Johnson expresses her anger at the officer’s condescending attitude, he warns her that if she continues to raise her voice, he may arrest her. This moment escalates quickly; as Johnson’s daughter steps in to protect her mother, the officer shoves her aside and violently takes down Johnson, brandishing a taser at both mother and daughters. As the situation spirals out of control, Mia captures every moment, yelling that they are live streaming the encounter.
In a disheartening turn, the officer not only arrests Johnson but also detains Mia, confiscating her phone in the process. Their attorney later reported that both were charged with resisting arrest and interference with an officer—charges that many consider unjust. Fortunately, Mia was not held, as minors cannot be detained for non-felony offenses. Both women were released soon after and still plan to pursue legal action against the man who assaulted Johnson’s son.
The Fort Worth Police Department has stated that the officer involved is on restricted duty while an internal investigation is conducted. In a tearful press conference, Johnson expressed feelings of failure as a parent, lamenting that she couldn’t protect her son when he needed it most. Tragically, her attempt to seek help resulted in further trauma for her family.
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In summary, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when marginalized communities seek help from authorities. The complexities of race, parenting, and law enforcement converge in heartbreaking ways, leaving many to question the very systems designed to protect them.