On February 18th, 31-year-old Da’Quain Johnson was riding a bicycle when police started chasing him, suspecting he was carrying a gun. When he jumped off the bike, a police dog knocked him down, and Johnson was shot when officers said he pulled a handgun.
“This tragedy forces us, once again, to confront the culture of policing.”
That’s president of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP Cle Jackson. He, along with other members and Johnson’s mother, spoke about the need for transparency and accountability throughout the investigation.
Jackson says the NAACP does not believe policy reform alone will bring about change, not without community oversight.
“A fully funded, independent civilian appeals board, with authority and resources to conduct oversight.”
Jackson stated that it’s unacceptable that Chief Eric Winstrom has refused to release anymore bodycam footage from the night of the incident.
“And really because of that, we’re asking that the city manager, Mark Washington, place a hold on the search for a new chief, until that process includes directed community input from residents and local activists alike, and any consultant involved in that process are approved with community guidance.”
Winstrom will start his new position in Pensacola, Florida on March 2nd.
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