GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The mother of two boys who were held at gunpoint by Grand Rapids Police Department officers says she and other parents want an apology, but GRPD says it was following protocol.
The March 24 incident has some community leaders asking GRPD to review their policies.
That evening, a group of five black teens, all ages 12 through 14, played basketball at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on South Division Avenue. Shortly after 7 p.m., they were heading home on nearby Francis Avenue SE.
Meanwhile, GRPD got a call about a fight involving 100 people that broke out at the Kroc. An officer who was responding was told a teen walking with a group in the area was carrying a revolver. GRPD Sgt. Terry Dixon told 24 Hour News 8 that officers were told the armed teen was dressed in all black.
As they searched the area, an officer spotted the group on Francis and determined they met the description. He drew his gun and ordered them to get on the ground, Dixon said.
None of the boys were armed.
“We have to exercise due diligence if we come across someone matching that description,” Dixon said. “In this case, it appears they matched the description but the gun, they didn’t have one. That’s unfortunate. That is something that should be in dialogue, but as far as the actions of the police officer — they did nothing wrong.”
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