GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) announced on Wednesday that new charges of discrimination have been filed against the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD).
MDCR said the new charges stem from from an August 2018 incident they say involves an 11, 12, and 17-year-old boys who are black. A 911 call which claimed boys were walking near train tracks with a gun lead police to the scene.
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According to MDCR, the three boys were searched and held at gunpoint despite all three complying with orders given by officers.
The children were searched, handcuffed and held for about 20 minutes before being released to a grandparent.
The race of the officers have not been specified.
John E. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, said “The Grand Rapids Police Department provided no evidence that they treat individuals of another race the same in similar circumstances.”
The new charges are in addition to two formal charges of discrimination against GRPD brought by MDCR in July.
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The new charges will be given to an administrative law judge, who will take a look at the evidence and decide the next steps.
Michigan News Source reached out to the Grand Rapids Police Department for a comment.
