AUSTELL, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has obtained video of an arrest confrontation caught on cellphone video. But this time, local drivers pulled over and offered their advice.
The video shows the incident in Austell where drivers seemed worried about what was unfolding, saying the side of the road is not the place to try to hold court with an officer.
At one point in the video you can see a man snatch his hands away from officers and even raise a fist during the confrontation.
One passerby shouted at the man from her car.
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"Don't get yourself in trouble, we've got enough of this," that passerby said.
Local civil rights activists say you can feel the tension in the streets.
"Right now we're afraid, especially our young people,” said Gerald Rose with the New Order National Human Rights Organization. "They’re not hearing we shall overcome. They're a little impatient."
But Rose said escalating stressful moments with the police is not wise in today's climate.
"A lot of our men don't walk away from situations like that. And in that particular video I think he handled himself the wrong way," Rose said.
Mark Bell with Justice Speaks 2 posted the video and has a clear message to the youth.
"You can't handle your problem right then and there. You absolutely cannot do it. Even if you're innocent, prove it in court," Bell told Willis.
They also say there's something else you may notice in the video.
"It seemed that the police were scared to do their job,” Rose said.
"The police officers showed restraint and I commend them for that," said Bell.
However you see it, the activists say de-escalation needs to be learned on both sides.
"I understand people are afraid. People are afraid on both sides," Bell said.
"Obey every command because there's too much retaliation going on. There's too much violence," Rose said.
Willis contacted Austell police about the incident, but had not heard back from them by time of publication.
Bell said he's planning a forum for the youth to educate them on how to maneuver during a stop.
Cox Media Group
