Community leaders file harassment complaint against Decatur police officer

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)— After the arrests of three people during a demonstration at a Decatur community event on Friday, civic leaders on Monday filed a complaint against the arresting officer, accusing him of mistreatment and abuse.

Video footage of the arrests of protesters during the ‘Third Friday’ event went viral on social media.

Catrela Perkins detained during Friday Decatur protest, community reacts

The actions of the arresting officer, seen with a taser pointed at the chest of one of the demonstrators after placing him in handcuffs in one video, has come into question by community leaders who have condemned the officers’ actions as harsh, excessive, and unlawful.

One of the protesters placed in handcuffs is Catrela Perkins, the wife of Stephen Perkins. Stephen Perkins was killed by a Decatur Police officer during a botched vehicle repossession in September.

“The officer kept grabbing me while I was in handcuffs like following me and grabbing me on my arms with force,” Catrela Perkins told News 19. “I don’t know why but he looked me in my eyes and said we don’t want you guys out here.”

During the chaos, people say the officer could be seen whispering a threat of arrests in the ear of Morgan County NAACP president Rodney Gordon, saying, ‘I’m going to arrest you first and foremost because you seem to be the main instigator.’

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Gordon said that he was shocked at the threat.

“He targeted us, and he threatened me. Verbally threatened me. I have been shaking ever since he threatened me,” Gordon said.

Gordon said that the demonstration on Friday was not planned, but just using the event to raise awareness on how Stephen Perkins was killed.

“A lot of people are saying we did this to disrupt but no we didn’t, but we did this for community awareness,” Catrela Perkins added. “We want you to understand that a murder has been committed in your city. If you were not aware of it, now you know.”

Decatur Police told News 19 that they are reviewing the video footage and will update as necessary.

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