Nationwide — Darnay Cockrell, an African American father from Mesa, Arizona, is suing the police after officers handcuffed him after he referred to as 911 to report his 4-year-old daughter’s abduction. The incident left him injured, jobless, and with out a residence. He filed a federal lawsuit claiming he was handled like a prison regardless of being the sufferer.
On August 4, 2024, Cockrell alerted police that his daughter had been taken by her mom, who had no custody and struggled with drug dependancy. Bodycam audio reveals Cockrell panicking and begging officers to assist return his youngster, however police handled him just like the suspect.
In accordance with Atlanta Black Star, a neighbor recorded video of Cockrell being pressured to the bottom regardless of sporting knee braces and not too long ago had surgical procedure. He provided to place his palms behind his again voluntarily, however officers pushed him facedown and handcuffed him. The ordeal lasted about half-hour earlier than a sergeant intervened and eliminated the cuffs.
The mom was later arrested, and Cockrell’s daughter was returned to him. Nonetheless, the video of his detainment went viral and led to him shedding his job and house. He additionally suffered again and knee accidents, together with a damaged watch and necklace.
Cockrell’s legal professionals say racial bias performed a task, claiming officers focused him as a result of he’s African American, tall, and bodily match. The lawsuit alleges Mesa police violated his Fourth and 14th Modification rights and dedicated assault with out affordable trigger.
Mesa police have mentioned the officers didn’t break coverage however obtained further coaching on treating Black victims as victims, not suspects. Cockrell’s attorneys keep that the officers ought to have confronted stronger penalties and are nonetheless searching for the complete launch of bodycam footage to strengthen their case.
