Texas Cop Pulls Gun On Black Teens At Pool Party, Police Have Eric Casebolt Suspended Over Video
After a Texas cop pulled a gun on black teens at a pool party, people were outraged since the whole incident was caught on video. The McKinney Police Department had the Texas cop suspended for his actions, and the mayor’s office says Cpl. Eric Casebolt is being investigated.
In a related report by the Inquisitr, the video starts as the Texas cop pulls his gun while dealing with teenagers who apparently had crashed a pool party according to the YouTube video description.
“A fight between a mom and a girl broke out and when the cops showed up everyone ran, including the people who didn’t do anything,” wrote Brandon Brooks, the person who uploaded the video. “So the cops just started putting everyone on the ground and in handcuffs for no reason. This kind of force is uncalled for especially on children and innocent bystanders.”
According to a statement released through McKinney Police Department’s Facebook page, the incident occurred at the Craig Ranch North community pool during the early evening. The statement claims the teens at the pool party did “not live in the area or have permission to be there.”
“First responding officers encountered a large crowd that refused to comply with police commands. Nine additional units responded to the scene. Officers were eventually able to gain control of the situation.”
It is claimed by witnesses that the Texas cops harassed only black teens, and also those with darkly colored skin. Brooks, who is white, said he felt “invisible” and he claims the police did not even look at him before targeting those who were black, Mexican, and Arabic. Brooks believes it is possible that minority races were targeted due to complaints by adults at the pool party. It is claimed the incident started when adults at the party made racist comments and told “the black children to leave the area and return to Section 8 housing.”
“I think a bunch of white parents were angry that a bunch of black kids who don’t live in the neighborhood were in the pool,” said Brooks, according to BuzzFeed.
Reports also say that Cpl. Eric Casebolt was apparently proud of the video and he temporarily uploaded the video under “police training.” Other videos of the incident have also been spreading on social media.
RT #craigranch #RETWEET pic.twitter.com/TUcJZbrKBG
— lohanthony 10/26 (@Xmukexziamx) June 6, 2015
McKinney Police Department was not proud of his actions after seeing the video, and they had the Texas cop suspended.
“McKinney Police later learned of a video that was taken at the scene by an unknown party. This video has raised concerns that are being investigated by the McKinney Police Department. At this time, one of the responding officers has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.”
Speaking at a press conference, McKinney Chief of Police Greg Conley said he is “committed a complete and thorough investigation of this incident.”
McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller also released a statement that said he was “disturbed and concerned” by the idea that a Texas cop would pull a gun on teens.
“Our expectation as a City Council is that out police department and other departments will act professionally and with appropriate restraint relative to the situation they are faced with,” the statement said. “Our city Management and Police Chief are investigating the situation as required, and I have faith that they will conclude the investigation expeditiously and take appropriate action. We will continue to monitor the situation through out City Manager’s office and will continue to work with community as we follow this investigative process.”
[Image via YouTube]
