(
http://www.storyleak.com)
In a shocking display of the sort of excessive force that is becoming far too common across America, a group of police officers harassed, abused, and even threatened to tase a black youth pastor and firefighter for greeting them with a friendly wave.
George Madison, Jr. was riding his bike in Evansville, Indiana, when he saw the police officers and offered them a wave out of respect. According to the cops, they thought they saw Madison flip them off or give them the middle finger. The idea of this happening filled the cops with authoritarian rage and they began to harass the hapless pastor, a man who devotes his time to his community in a way that should inspire public servants and police forces.
Since Madison couldn't fathom why his peaceful greeting was being met with such hostility, he tried to call his friend, the local police chef, to see what was going on. This only infuriated the officers on the scene further. They demanded that he put away his phone and get on the ground. Madison insisted that they let him place the phone call, but to no avail, as one of the officers took out his taser and shoved it in the firefighter's face.
Madison immediately threw his hands into the air to show his complete compliance, though the officer continued to wave the taser inches from his face. Madison was then handcuffed and forced onto the ground. After learning that he was a firefighter who actually does know chief Billy Bolin, the police calmed down and subsequently released him. Thankfully, he had the connections he did so he could avoid what might have become an even worse incident.
The Evansville Police Department issued a statement on Wednesday that reads, "The investigation began this morning. In order to preserve the integrity of the investigation and to ensure fairness for all of the involved parties, the EPD will not comment on the incident at this time."
