Tennessee Man Speaks Out About Violent Arrest During Traffic Stop
A Tennessee man, whose violent arrest for alleged traffic violations is currently under investigation by state police, said he was stopped for being Black while driving a nice car.
On Monday (October 24), Brandon Calloway and his family spoke with the Associated Press outside a courthouse in Fayette County, Tennessee, where he was scheduled to appear before a judge on charges filed against him in July. That hearing is now rescheduled for November 28.
The 26-year-old was arrested by Oakland Police and charged with speeding, disregarding a stop sign, disorderly conduct and evading arrest. Video of the officer-involved incident has since gone viral and shows the confrontation leading up to the arrest. According to a police affidavit, on July 16 at approximately 7:30 p.m, Calloway drove through a stop sign and was stopped by police. Video showed officers chasing him through his home, attempting to stun him, and beating him bloody prior to dragging him away.
One of the officers involved has been placed on paid leave while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation completes their investigation.
Calloway said outside of the courthouse, “I just happened to get stopped in a nice car and my dad lives in a nice neighborhood. That was the only crime right there.”
His father, Ed Calloway, also said police unlawfully entered his home, “It was my home, it was my door that they kicked in.”
Brandon Calloway and his lawyer, Andre Wharton, said they are looking for the officers to be held accountable. It’s unknown if they will sue.
