She had me captivated at first glance. The street lights revealed her curves and distinct lines. Unfortunately, she was being held tightly by another man!
Shortly after dropping my wife off at work for her 10 PM shift, I arrived back in front of my garage. After removing the keys from the ignition, I heard the sound of a car engine approaching. As I slid the key into the garage door lock, I heard this vehicle stop and the doors being flung open. A voice told me to get on the ground and put my hands behind my back. A quick look revealed what I already knew. It was the police. I wasn’t moving fast enough because I found a knee in my back and handcuffs quickly placed on my wrist.
I asked the obvious question because I did not have time earlier. “Officers, why am I about to be arrested?” In a flash, one of the officers was near my head. Holding a beautiful nickel-plated 38 Special. “As if you don’t know” was his sarcastic, demeaning response. I lay on the ground thinking about Rodney King. A known incident months earlier.
Also, I thought about my reputation because I am a Christian, and my father was a pastor. I begin to see shadows of people gathering together a short distance away. While I lay there, the two officers leaned against the garage door next to mines laughing and talking. Originally, they appeared to be in a big hurry. There was no communication between them and the precinct or any other police unit at the time. Listening, I overheard one of them mention a stolen car. “Am I about to be arrested for stealing my car?” I asked. Through the corner of my eye, I could see one of them go to the back of my car and then come over to me. He stoops over and begins to apologize. That’s when I got angry! I told him I could not hear anything while handcuffed on the dirty ground. I asked them if this was what they do in all the Gardena neighborhoods. Stop people and push them on the ground and handcuff them? Of course, they had no response; besides, we thought your car fit the description.
I shared this story for the many Americans who have no idea what this feels like. This is one of many humiliating stories. I don’t dress or associate with gang members. I don’t do drugs or hang out in unreputable locations. I grew up in church, worshiping God and serving others. Unfortunately, my family and friends still experience these despicable situations! Don’t get me wrong! I appreciate those men and women serving the public with upright intentions. I have relatives and close family friends out there as well. We need them! On the other hand, we need to abolish the tax-paid bullies and murderers from their ranks! Including those in government that enable them!
This made me cry, my heart aches that you were treated this way. I pray to God that it never ever happens again to you, or to anyone that you love. I pray that a positive and powerful shift in the right direction is happening, may the wave of respect, equality and peace wash over our broken beautiful world 🌎 🙏🏼
Thank you, M for your prayers, and well wishes. 🙂