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Another unarmed Black man was beaten by police, but this time it was over a tomato. According to WSBTV, the incident occurred at a Walmart on Cascade Road in Atlanta.
Tyrone Carnegay was shopping for groceries and had recently checked out when an employee began following him outside. Surveillance cameras captured Carnegay being approached by off-duty Atlanta Police Department officer Trevor King. Without asking questions, King began to strike Carnegay with his baton and hit him in his stomach, arms and legs at least seven times. Carnegay never retaliated during the attack.
Carnegay was arrested and jailed for three days and taken to a hospital where he was handcuffed to his bed. It was discovered that he suffered two broken bones in his leg, ruptured artery and had to have a titanium rod implanted in his leg. He was also charged with simple battery against a police officer although he was the one who was attacked by the officer.
Furthermore, it was discovered that Carnegay had paid for the tomato that he was accused of stealing. He had a receipt to prove payment, but the officer failed to take the time to check until after the attack was over.
The incident is another example of how police across the nation are misusing their power to abuse innocent citizens. King proved that he doesn’t have the wherewithal or temperament to properly handle a position as an officer. But until national legislation is created to protect citizens from police who are similar to King, more innocent people will be abused and killed by unqualified officers.
Carnage is currently in the process of filing a lawsuit against King, the APD, and City of Atlanta. However, the case could take three years before it goes to trial. King remains on the police force and has yet to be reprimanded.
