A Black sheriff’s deputy in Toledo, Ohio, discovered that a badge does not serve as a shield to racism.
A video that shows a White security guard aiming a gun at the deputy has recently surfaced.
According to WTVG, the incident occurred when Lucas County Sheriff’s Deputy Alan Gaston, dressed in full uniform, entered an IRS office to inquire about a letter he received.
Without asking questions, Seth Eklund, a White security guard, approached Gaston with his gun drawn.
Ignoring Gatson’s position as a deputy, Eklund told him that he could not be in the IRS office with a gun.
When Gaston turned to leave, Eklund aimed his gun at the deputy, followed him outside and then attempted to take Gaston into custody.
An employee at the IRS office called 911 to report that a suspect had entered the facility armed with a gun. When police arrived, they saw Eklund aiming a gun at Gaston.
Eklund was eventually charged with aggravated menacing. Gaston has since filed a civil lawsuit against Eklund and the security firm that employs him. He is seeking compensation for lost wages and psychological distress.
Eklund pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance today.
View the video after the jump.
