RINGGOLD, GA.Following a Facebook livestream that featured a woman addressing policemen while they were arresting a man who was subsequently placed under ICE custody, a dramatic incident between police and a bystander went viral.
Traffic Stop Leads to Struggle
Officers said that Obrey Jiminez ran a red light, and the encounter started when a Georgia State Patrol trooper pulled down a white van he was driving. Jiminez was detained for driving without a license and obstructing traffic when the encounter turned into a fight.
Intervention Captured on Video
Jade Michalski started recording the interaction while police were holding Jiminez and demanded that the suspect get medical help, saying that the authorities were neglecting his condition.
On camera, Michalski can be seen repeatedly inquiring if an ambulance had been called while walking between cops and a patrol cruiser that was detaining Jiminez. There weren’t any available when dispatchers tried to request one.
Arrest of Bystander
Michalski stood in front of the car and refused to move when cops informed him that Jiminez would instead be sent to jail for medical care.Before being taken into custody, she yelled in the video, “I will not move.”
Ringgold police arrested Michalski after charging him with obstruction and unruly conduct.
ICE Custody and Ongoing Questions
The Catoosa County Sheriff stated that Jiminez was later placed under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Information regarding whether he received medical care prior to being relocated has not been made public by officials.
Attorney McCracken Poston, who knows Michalski’s family, pointed out that these instances are complicated legally. He claimed that while recording these interactions is not intrusive, other behaviors can be considered obstructive.
Community Response
The intervention was justified by supporters, including Elizabeth Haley, a friend of Michalski. Jade witnessed a brown man requesting medical attention while being harassed and detained. And they intervened to ensure he received that treatment, just like any good human being would, Haley said.
Law enforcement tactics, bystander rights, and medical care for inmates pending immigration procedures have all been questioned in light of the occurrence.
SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com invites readers who watched the livestream or who have opinions about police accountability to participate in the conversation.
