In a horrifying case of mistaken identity, a patron of Applebee’s was tackled to the ground while holding a baby and then beaten by Wisconsin police officers as the real suspects hid in the restroom.
According to WISN 12 News, Kenosha police officers were searching for the suspects involved in a severe hit-and-run crash on July 20 when witnesses reported seeing two black men and a woman carrying a child dash into a nearby Applebee’s.
When officers approached them for questioning, a separate, unidentified employee informed them that a man, a woman, and an infant were eating at a restaurant table.
According to Harris, the officers tackled the male and began ripping the infant from his arms while he was on the ground. The video depicts a police officer punching the man and shouting at him to put his hands behind his back.
Even though police later determined that the couple had nothing to do with the hit-and-run, the man apprehended in the restaurant was charged with disruptive conduct as well as resisting and obstructing an officer. According to the outlet, the woman he was with was also detained on the same charges and charged with possession of marijuana.
Read Also: Caught on Camera: Target Shoplifter’s Scary Fight with Cops Over Gigantic TV
Community Activists Demand Open Investigation into Officers’ Actions
After the terrifying ordeal, police discovered the actual suspects hiding in the restroom, and they were subsequently apprehended and charged. Harris, who worked at Applebee’s for approximately 12 years, was also terminated, with the restaurant blaming her for spreading the video online and with the media.
William Sulton, who represents Harris for unlawful termination, stated that they gave Applebee’s the opportunity to reinstate her before pursuing legal action. The chain of restaurants refused.
Wednesday, community activists demonstrated in front of the Kenosha Safety Building, demanding that the department’s investigation into the officers’ actions be conducted openly.
The department is conducting an internal review to determine if the officers’ use of force was more robust than what the state requires, according to a statement to the media outlet.
Currently, it is being investigated. At the end of the investigation, it shall be determined whether the officers acted professionally and whether disciplinary action or additional training is necessary.
Read Also: Woman Arrested for Engaging in Sexual Activity with Pet Dog
Source: New York Post, Daily Mail
