On Monday night, Damieon Flowers interrupted a confrontation between a Wilmington police officer and three boys riding bikes.
It looked as if the boys were randomly-profiled for a crime they did not commit. According to Delaware Online , the boys' scared faces caused Flowers to react. Flowers stood up for the boys and put the encounter on Facebook live. The video received over 4 million views.
"Yo man, you all didn't do nothing," Flowers says on the video. "As a matter of fact, don't say nothing. You
The officer, who at first seemed to ignore Flowers, continued talking the boys, trying to write down their names. The officer used the "serious problems down at the Riverfront" to justify his actions.
But Flowers responds. "then catch the perpetrator and leave them little boys alone, man."
After the officers pull off, Damieon shares his personal feelings about the situation with his Facebook live audience.
Thursday, however, Flowers released this statement on Facebook, announcing that the SWAT team had come to arrest him at his home because of the video he posted. He said he would surrender to the police that night at 7pm. Flowers then asked Pastor Derrick Johnson of Joshua Harvest Church for help. Pastor Johnson and police Captain Faheem Akil escorted Flowers to police headquarters.
Flowers and his escorts were met by a large crowd protestors who came to support Damieon. The held signs that protested Damieon's right to freedom. One sign read "We all Matter." Another one said "Justice for Dame".
An hour after Flowers arrived at the station, Damieon learned his charges had been dropped. Flowers and the police officers talked it out and came to a mutual understanding about the issue.
Damieon's friend Cheris Lockett, was by his side inside the police station and commented on the issue.
"Both parties took responsibility and said the incident didn't have to go that far," Lockett said. "Both recognized the accountability on both of their parts. Everybody was in agreement that we wanted to do right by the Police Department, by popular policing in the community, but we also want our community to feel safe."
"It was a good outcome because these things need to happen to make people uncomfortable. I think it was an unfortunate situation, but these types of things need to get the community riled up, so we can learn how to rally and unite together because that's what brings about change. It was good to see the community come out." Lockett added.
What I Think
It saddens me that such a thing could happen in our local community. However, what's amazing is how quickly and readily people organized on Damieon's behalf. I'm glad that both parties were able to learn from the situation. Our goal as citizens of the Wilmington area should be to keep our community's safe without causing more violence and more anger. I'm glad this story had a happy ending.
