MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Organizes signs saying Black Lives Matter – dozens of people protested outside Michigan City Hall after seeing photos of Tahir Kell’s injuries.
Even after the Michigan City Police released body cam footage – protesters questioned the official narrative, demanded that police release more videos and reassess their use of force policies.
“He became annoyed. He may have fallen in the face, but it didn’t cause all of those injuries. All his teeth come out of his mouth. Lips widen, it’s ridiculous. Our police officers, they shouldn’t be,” said Carolyn Moore, Resident.
Outrage, tears and calls for further investigation at a peaceful protest, following Tahir Kelly’s brutal injuries following an encounter with Michigan City Police.
Body cam footage shows officers questioning Kelly.
After an officer arrived handcuffed, Kelly took off.
The police tease him, but the family believes that’s not all that happened.
“Okay, he fell on the ground, I fell on the ground. I fell down the stairs everything and my face is still intact. My brother is in a sling. My brother out here looks crazy and I understand everyone wants you to know what to say and what to say and defend the person they have to protect, but come on, that’s my brother,” Ebony Bayley, Sister Kelly’s daughter said.
Michigan Mayor Duane Parry spoke to protesters and wished Kelly well for a speedy recovery.
Parry says officers just follow protocols and advocate for the release of completely transparent footage.
“You’ll find that it’s a police procedure, but unfortunately it’s not on soft grass, it’s happening on a rough concrete surface,” Parry said.
Some still want the city to reevaluate its use of force policies.
“We have to trust our police. If they don’t protect us, you know who will,” said Brian Thomas, LaPorte County NAACP Resident and Member.
Kelly is still at the hospital. Police are pursuing multiple charges against him.
