Public demand investigation on controversial arrest of 13-year-old at Summerville Walmart
A Summerville Police Officer arrests a 13-year-old outside of Walmart in Summerville. (WCIV)
Photo from WCIV
(WCIV) — Videos posted on social media have people questioning the arrest of a 13-year-old boy at a Summerville Walmart Monday.
One of the videos shows police pushing on the boy’s neck or shoulders. The Facebook video has been shared thousands of times. Activists say this incident is a major setback in the community.
The videos, posted on Monday afternoon, show two Summerville police officers holding onto the teen outside of Walmart at North Main Market. Then the officers pin the minor to the ground by pushing on his neck.
Community activist Elvin Speights said after watching the videos, he’s disgusted.
“I was full of anger, full of rage,” Speights said. “It was excessive force. You can tell he was a kid – might be 120 pounds. Small kid. And this grown man is applying pressure on the back of his neck.”
According to the police report, the situation started when police noticed two juveniles selling roses outside the Walmart.
The report said the town has a code about loitering, which is what police said the minors were doing.
The report said several minors selling roses were on written, indefinite trespass notices for multiple businesses.
Marvin Pendarvis is the family attorney of the 13-year-old, and he said they are seeking a full investigation.
“The minor is a bright and motivated young person who was simply trying to pursue a passion and learn valuable business skills,” Pendarvis said. “It is unacceptable that he was targeted and arrested for his entrepreneurial efforts.”
Speights was contacted by several people involved in the situation and they said that the minor arrested was “well-mannered” and not causing “any problems.”
To the incident, the Summerville Police Department released a statement on the arrest.
“The Summerville Police Department is committed to maintaining public safety while upholding the highest standard of professionalism and respect for all individuals,” Police Chief Douglas Wright said. “We will continue to conduct a thorough review of this incident to ensure our officers followed proper protocols and identified any areas for improvement.
“We recognize the impact such incidents can have on community trust, and we remain dedicated to fostering open communication and strengthening our relationship with the citizens we serve.”
