|
by Yolanda Neals/The Micah Project From: http://stopblackinjustice.blogspot.com/ On or about December 27, 2007 at Battle Creek Central Field house, 19 yr old African-American paralyzed male named Dawan Gordon was attending a basketball game. Gordon, a Battle Creek, Michigan resident, was paralyzed after being shot twice in his back in April of 2006. At this holiday basketball tournament in Battle Creek Gordon was given permission by Michael Whittaker, a security guard at the game, to stand on or by the players on courtside as a result of his disability. Officer Hancock of the Battle Creek Police Department approached Gordon and others and told them to move or leave. Gordon told the officer he had security permission to stand there because of his disability. The officer insisted that Gordon either move or leave. Gordon told the officer that he would leave. Gordon started walking away on crutches complaining about the officer's insensitivity. He requested the officer get the handicap lift. The officer grabbed Gordon causing Gordon's crutches to fall. Gordon informed the officer that he could not walk. Gordon alleges that Hancock arrested him for exercising his federally protected right to free speech. Gordon grabbed the rail with both hands to keep from falling due to the fact that he has no lower body support from his legs. Officer Hancock grabbed Gordon's right arm and handcuffed him all the while complaining to Gordon to quit resisting. Gordon responded to Officer Hancock that he was not resisting but trying to keep from falling. Hancock ordered Gordon to "let go or I will mace you. Stop resisting." Gordon scared of being maced, let go of the rail and gave his left hand to Officer Hancock which caused Gordon's body to fall forward. Security guard Whittaker arrived to catch Gordon from falling to the ground. Whittaker told Officer Hancock Gordon could not walk. Gordon asked Officer Hancock to provide him with the handicap lift once again and Hancock refused. Officer Hancock then proceeded to drag Gordon down the set of stairs. Gordon saw Mrs. Stephanie Moore (who is a young African-American female City Commissioner in the neighboring city of Kalamazoo, Michigan) at the bottom of the stairs with her cell phone. Gordon asked Moore to video the incident. At the time Gordon ran into Moore both his hands were already in handcuffs and he was being dragged away by the officer. Officer Hancock dragged Gordon by his arms down a flight of stairs with Gordon's legs falling behind him lifelessly hitting every step. Gordon told the officer that he still had a bullet in his back and that the officer's actions might cause the bullet to move. Gordon was not taken to the hospital while he was in police custody even though he was in excruciating pain. Gordon went to the hospital after he was released from jail. Gordon's back was injured and aggravated during the incident as a result of being dragged down the stairs by the officer. Gordon indicated that he could not believe what was happening to him and did not know why the officer arrested him. He was complying with the officer's request to move or leave the basketball game and Gordon had decided to leave. Officer Hancock dragged Gordon outside to his squad car. He ordered Gordon to stand so that Gordon could be searched. Gordon told the officer he could not stand because he was paralyzed. The officer stood Gordon up against the police car and kept insisting, "stand yo ass up," which caused Gordon to fall harshly to the ground and sustain further injury to his back. Hancock picked Gordon up and placed Gordon in the police car. Gordon was told he was under arrest for resisting arrest and for being loud and boisterous and for yelling at the officer -- telling him that he could not walk. Someone brought Gordon's crutches to the police car. Hancock placed the crutches in the trunk. In the police car Officer Hancock apologetically told Gordon he thought Gordon was, "bullshitting him because he get's bullshitted everyday," regarding Gordon’s claim that he could not stand up or walk. Gordon was taken to jail and he was booked and placed into custody overnight until he was arraigned the next day. Gordon got out of jail on bond and went to the hospital to be treated for the injuries he sustained. A witch hunt has ensued over Kalamazoo City Commissioner Stephanie Moore who did in fact video tape this incident and has since been brought up on felony charges of resisting, obstructing, and interfering during this excessive and abusive arrest of Dawan Gordon. Click on this link to learn more about how Commissioner Moore has come under severe attack in both Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Michigan for being concerned about the abuse she witness this young black male endure at the hands of a police officer. Please help us find good legal representation for this disabled young black male as well as national exposure for what is going on in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Kalamazoo City Commissioner Stephanie Moore recently participated in a "Know Your Rights" forum. She was approached by police in Battle Creek Michigan on Monday, February 25, 2008 at Macedonia Baptist Church at 5:30pm. She is under attack because she cares about serving and educating the urban community. Continued blessings, Yolanda Neals The Micah Project The Micah Project (TMP) was formed under the inspiration of the Prophet Micah in his charge that we are to love mercy, seek justice, and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8). The Micah Project will walk with man before God to seek justice. Providing support services to individuals seeking justice when their civil rights have been violated. |
Original Post Date
2008-08-19 11:00 PM
Original Body