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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — A video has gone viral of a little girl walking toward Tallahassee police officers with her hands in the air during the arrest of shoplifting suspects.
The cellphone footage, which was recorded by Bernard Stevens Jr. and posted to Facebook by the Tallahassee Police Department, shows the barefoot toddler get out of a blue pick up truck on Thursday as officers pointed their guns at the vehicle.
“She’s trying to get out but she can’t because she’s little,” a person in the video is heard saying. “She is out. Oh, she’s holding her hands up. Oh my God, look at that. Oh my God.”
(Facebook)
Police say the child was imitating the suspects, who were reportedly involved in an armed shoplifting incident at a Bealls Outlet, according to the Miami Herald.
Many viewers have criticized the police department for keeping their guns drawn while the child was walking toward them. The department released body cam footage of the incident to show the concern they had for the child and her brother during the traffic stop.
“The mom, who was a suspect, asked an officer to hold her 2-year-old while she’s allowed to retrieve the infant from the car seat,” explained Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo in a new Facebook video. “I am proud of how our officers handled the situation, how they adapted when they became aware of the children and the level of concern and compassion they showed for the family.”
Chad M. Bom, 34, and James W. McMullen, 38, were charged with theft. Police also found a pellet gun in the vehicle.
Update on traffic stop video with small child in car#UPDATE TPD is providing an update to the press release regarding a small child being involved in a traffic stop. Body camera footage and a statement from Chief Michael DeLeo can be viewed. The original video by the citizen is first, then the video shows Chief DeLeo speaking about the incident. The body worn camera footage shows the officers' actions in the incident. The gun located in the vehicle was actually a pellet gun. “This video footage captures the compassion demonstrated by our TPD officers during an intense situation. I’m very proud of their actions and appreciative of the work these men and women do each day to keep our community safe,” Mayor John Dailey said. Original Press Release January 17,2019: On Thursday afternoon, January 17, 2019 around 4:30 p.m., Tallahassee Police officers were called to Bealls Outlet located 3240 Capital Circle Northeast in reference to a shoplifting. Information was received from the store regarding one of the suspects having what appeared to be a gun in their waistband. Based on this information, the Loss Prevention officers did not stop the suspects, but provided TPD officers with a description of the suspects and their vehicle. Officers arriving on scene were able to stop the suspects in the parking lot and detain the individuals inside the vehicle which was a blue pickup truck. Chad M. Bom and James W. McMullen were charged with the theft from Bealls Outlet. The Tallahassee Police Department was made aware of a video of the incident circulating on social media. TPD is currently reviewing the incident and the body worn camera video from the incident. Arrested: Chad M. Bom Age 34 Charge: Petit Theft 2nd Degree pursuant to Florida Statute 812.014(3)(a). Arrested: James W. McMullen Age 38 Charge: Petit Theft 2nd Degree pursuant to Florida Statute 812.014(3)(a).
Posted by City of Tallahassee Police Department on Friday, January 18, 2019
(Facebook)
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