A Black motorist, Dakarai Larriett, has taken legal action against the Michigan State Police following a distressing traffic stop that he claims was rooted in racial profiling. The incident, which occurred in Benton Harbor earlier this year, was recorded by police body cameras and has raised significant concerns about the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement.
The incident: A humiliating traffic stop
Larriett alleges that during the traffic stop, he was falsely accused of being intoxicated. The troopers involved, particularly Trooper George Kanyuh, made derogatory remarks about Larriett’s name and subjected him to homophobic comments. In the body camera footage, Kanyuh can be heard speculating about Larriett’s sobriety, saying, “I don’t know what he’s on. I’m going to assume it’s weed and alcohol.” Despite the lack of evidence supporting these claims, Larriett was handcuffed and taken to a hospital for testing.
Unjust treatment and legal consequences
After undergoing tests that ultimately returned negative results for alcohol, Larriett was still taken to jail. His ordeal did not end there; he reported that police conducted a scan of his stomach and accused him of attempting to smuggle drugs into the jail. This accusation was made without any substantial evidence and added to the humiliation he faced during the stop.
Larriett described a particularly degrading moment when he was forced to defecate in public while being yelled at by Trooper Kanyuh not to flush. Such treatment has sparked outrage and highlights the ongoing issues of racial discrimination within law enforcement.
Legal action and allegations of racial profiling
On Wednesday, Larriett filed a lawsuit against the Michigan State Police, claiming that the actions of the officers were part of a broader pattern of racially discriminatory policing. His attorney, Shawndrica N. Simmons, stated that the initial charges against Larriett for operating under the influence of a controlled substance were dismissed by prosecutors due to a lack of evidence and the unlawful nature of the stop and arrest.
Simmons emphasized that the treatment Larriett received was not an isolated incident but rather indicative of systemic issues within the Michigan State Police. The lawsuit aims to hold the officers accountable for their actions and to bring attention to the need for reform in policing practices.
Social media revelations
Following the incident, Larriett discovered a now-deleted Twitter account believed to belong to Trooper Kanyuh, which allegedly contained racist, homophobic, and misogynistic tweets. This revelation has further fueled the narrative of discriminatory practices within the police force and has raised questions about the character and conduct of officers tasked with upholding the law.
Community response and the need for change
The incident has sparked discussions within the community about the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement. Many advocates are calling for greater accountability and transparency within police departments, as well as comprehensive training to address issues of racial bias and discrimination.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Larriett’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many in the Black community regarding interactions with law enforcement. It underscores the importance of standing up against injustice and advocating for systemic change to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Conclusion
Larriett’s lawsuit against the Michigan State Police highlights critical issues surrounding racial profiling and the treatment of Black motorists. As the case progresses, it is essential for the community to remain engaged and to advocate for justice and reform in policing practices. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of law enforcement and the fight against racial discrimination.
