(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Jermelle English, 25, his girlfriend Shanya Boyd, 21, and their one-year old son Taquarius, all from Zion, IL, joined their attorney and others at a press conference today at 1:00 pm in front of Applebee’s in Kenosha. The trio were recorded in a now-viral video that showed police attempting to take English into custody on July 20, 2023, while he seemingly used his son as a human shield. Eventually, the baby had to be ripped from his hands and English was taken to the ground. A Kenosha Police officer was seen punching the man in the head several times, to the point that Mr. Englished urinated on himself. This incident followed a major car accident at the corner of Green Bay Rd and Highway 50. Witnesses reported a man, woman, and small child fleeing the area, making it a hit-and-run. Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie Police officers entered the nearby Applebee’s after being summoned to the restaurant by staff, and found a man, woman, and child that matched the description sitting at a table. The video picks up several minutes after the initial conversation between police and the family:
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Boyd and English were not the offenders in the hit and run – the actual offenders were hiding in the bathroom and were later arrested.
The family has retained Chicago-based attorney Kevin W. O’Connor. O’Connor told about a dozen journalists that what happened to his clients was because of their skin color. He said that the 1-year-old baby, Taquarius, was injured with pepper spray from a Kenosha Police Officer and the Officer sprayed the baby accidentally. It was also said that the baby, who was smiling and playful today, despite the extreme heat, will have lifelong respiratory and cardiac issues. According to Medical News Today and the Medical Library of Medicine, people report scratches to the eyeball, or corneal abrasions, in about 10% of cases of OC spray. Such scratches are temporary and may result from a person rubbing their eyes. While painful, the symptoms are self-limiting in most cases. They tend to resolve on their own within 30 minutes and usually do not require medical treatment.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
“Maybe next time, this officer will use his gun accidentally,” said O’Connor. He also commented on the red lights on the Kenosha Police and Pleasant Prairie’s Body-Worn Cameras. O’Connor told the media that this meant that the officers shut off their body cameras nefariously.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton initially declined to talk publicly about this matter as it is still under investigation, but when confronted with the attorney’s allegations, he decided to release some information. “I didn’t think it was yet appropriate to talk about this incident, but it would be wrong for me to allow false allegations to go unrefuted. The Kenosha Police Department is in possession of the body-worn-camera footage from each and every officer that responded to Applebee’s. The red indicator light signals that the body camera is actively recording, but green lights and even the lack of any indicator light doesn’t necessarily mean that recording is or is not in progress. As to the child, our initial assessment shows evidence that the baby was not in the area that the OC spray was utilized. The baby was later cleared by medical professionals. Kenosha Police received a call from staff at Applebee’s that there were people in the restaurant that were acting suspiciously. The family matched the description and Applebee’s staff confirmed that the people they called police about were the correct people approached by officers. We were acting on a witness’s report, not to the color of the family’s skin.” A member of the Pleasant Prairie Police department also clarified that their cameras were rolling as well.
KCE asked Attorney O’Connor what he recommends that his clients do when they are being temporarily detained be law enforcement. “Should they resist arrest like your clients?” He became irked by the question and insisted that his clients didn’t resist arrest, “they were only eating dinner.” He then said that in some states, one cannot be convicted of resisting if there is not an underlying crime. Wisconsin is not one such state. O’Connor said that he is warning Kenosha Police to do the right thing, or he will take further action. He contradicted himself at one point in his 20 minute speech. He said that he is demanding that Kenosha Police fire several officers immediately, but later, when asked if his clients will be suing, said “Unlike Kenosha Police, I like to get all of the evidence before I make a decision.” Kenosha Police have released a statement saying exactly that – they are waiting for the investigation to be completed before taking any action, if any. O’Connor then made reference to other cases that have already been adjudicated, like Kyle Rittenhouse and Jacob Blake. In both cases, a thorough investigation was completed, and with Rittenhouse, he was acquitted of all charges in 2021. Kenosha DA Mike Graveley determined that Officer Rusten Shesky didn’t violate the law with his use of force against Blake. Blake also didn’t recover any money in a civil setting.
Clyde McLemore – BLM of Zion, IL Founder
The family also enlisted the help of multiple felon, and career violent criminal Clyde McLemore, who is the president of BLM of Zion, IL. He has twice been charged with felonies for attacking police. Ironically, Clyde was sentenced earlier today in Kenosha County Circuit Court for his part in a riot-like attack on a Kenosha Police Officer. Judge Jason Rossell gave McLemore a light sentence today – only probation. KCE asked O’Connor if McLemore is the right person to insert himself into this incident, but O’Connor declined comment.
McLemore was critical of Kenosha DA Mike Graveley (D), a fellow BLM supporter who himself has helped McLemore avoid several serious felonies by not charging him and asked a neighboring DA to not charge him. McLemore demanded that the charges against English and Boyd be dismissed immediately. The two were scheduled to be in court this week, but the DA’s office postponed both cases until November. English and Boyd were both charged by the Kenosha County DA’s office on July 21, 2023. English was charged with resisting/obstructing and disorderly conduct. Boyd received identical charges and was also charged with possession of THC.
Failed aldermanic candidate Tanya McLean also inserted herself into this incident and told the media that she feels unsafe living in Kenosha because of the “racist police.” McLean oftentimes asks to meet in person with multiple Kenosha Police administrators, who have agreed to speak with her. She didn’t express fear during these several meetings.
O’Connor also took aim at Applebee’s for reasons he didn’t explain. “Applebee’s likes to put salt on their food, and they also like to put salt on wounds,” said O’Connor. “An email and a gift certificate aren’t enough.”
53 Responses
The best I’m able to make from this, is that there is still a hit and run driver unaccounted for?
They found him
Thank you, Kevin.
The actual suspects were hiding in the Applebees’ restroom.
There is zero reason to share the 1 year olds name that has been withheld otherwise.
It was said on 7 regional TV news stations.
You’re quality of journalism is better than that though, Kevin. You are different. You don’t follow TV stations. You are unique in how you report things and we respect you for it.
Agreed. Your writing cracks me up. It’s great.
And Dad has it tattooed above his left eye.
Fact is…..There are no facts.
Just optics courtesy bystanders and that is how the event will be judged.
Based on past history Kenosha might as well get ready to cut a check to settle this deal.
And……Why anyone would want to be a cop is beyond me because each and every day your out there you run the chance of getting caught up in a situation where your career could be on the line. One video of an event cancels out anything and everything and creates a new dynamic.
So the left always ask for the truth when it benefits them. Lawyer on national TV lied about body cameras to get people pist off, lied about the treatment of the child, yet we are supposed to jump to their agenda every time. And the STAFF led the police to the individuals.
Hypocrites
The right always claim they want liberty and to prevent government tyranny, but then bootlick cops who arrest the wrong suspects and punches them in the face when they hadn’t been violent. As a reminder, this couple were NOT the correct suspects.
It’s very telling when the right is cool with tyrannical behavior. I wonder why it was ok here but not in the J6 terrorist attacks.
Anyone notice how the poser mayoral candidate didn’t show up, but went live and replayed the video just to speak as if he’s involved? The mayoral candidate only shows when it’s within riding distance of his home. How is he gonna get around if elected or to do his “meet and greets”. Donations that’s how!!! Gimmie gimmie
if the couple had just cooperated with the police, they would have realized it was a mistaken identity. They caused their own problems by fighting, swearing and putting their child in the middle as a buffer. What kind of person does that?
Yes people just need to listen and be respectful! Good luck with that . Doobie brothers free ride ?
They didn’t have to comply. They didn’t break any laws by eating their meal. I’m sorry but even a coo should realize that maybe they have the wrong people if “they just ran in”, and already sitting eating a meal during dinner rush. Use some common sense.
Cute name. Tell me you don’t vote on values rather than party. If you can read which seems like you can’t, the STAFF told the police where to go. Sorry it’s hard to understand but you seem stupid
There is more to this story…I want to see the police cameras. Even the Applebees cameras would be good to look at as well. The truth will come out once all the videos are out.
That’s absolutely 100% incorrect information.
We haven’t seen the whole video. I’m going to wait for the police videos to come out. But this doesn’t look so good for the police.
I can’t believe Ben Crum wasn’t here to chase the money … How come the fine residents of Zion didn’t comply with the KPD .. The 13% at it again .. Maybe the scam Mahone Fund can give them a job ..
Crump has bigger fish. He’s recruited at least 50 Northwestern alumni of the football team who were “hazed”, which led the university’s woke administration to fire beloved football coach Pat Fitzgerald. Northwestern has an $11B endowment fund. Crump is drooling.
So the filthy Kenosha cops are doubling down to cover up their terrorism. That will double the costs. Now the settlement will be about $4-5 million. The attorney is correct, these clown steroid-looking mercenaries could have easily figured this out by asking the waiter or hostess, “How long have the colored folks been in the restaurant. The waiter would say about 15 minutes”. At this time, the non-mensa club clown cops would huddle together and say, “Car crash just happened, I think these may be the wrong colored folks”. Pure stupidity by mercenary thugs wearing blue which is not surprising.
How do you know the cops didn’t ask anyone? Have you seen the bodycam video or are you just speculating from your vast knowledge of watching live pd? How do you know the waitress or hostess didn’t say “I don’t know or maybe 5 minutes?” It sounds like you need to get a college degree, get hired, pass a background and psychology test, spend 6 months in the academy, pass field training, and get out there and show everyone how it’s done. Oh that’s right, you’d have to get off the couch and put down your video game controller to do that.
They just believe what their agenda tells them too. Just like Blake. First he never had a knife. Seen pics and drill denied it. Clowns
The role of mercenaries is to de-escalate the situation. Do you think they did that?
Did you read that the staff led them to the individuals? Again. Your agenda don’t misplace the facts. Sorry you don’t agree because your so bias
When you’ve no argument, simply pretend your opponent doesn’t have a job while you post to the same website they did.
Enjoy your L
Last time I checked we had a constitution with rights. It’s a constant circle with you guys. ” Damn government is infringing my rights” then it happens to a black family “well they should have just complied”
Make up your mind. Quit boot licking for cops one day because some people used their rights, then the next day it’s “from my cold dead hands”
Maybe one day it will be you and you will realize cops and the government don’t work for the people anymore. Nothing has changed since Ruby ridge or the bombing of the black panthers.
Thank you! Someone else with some common sense!
I don’t think you even know what common sense is. You literally sound stupid
Colored folks? People still say that.
Also, didn’t realize there was hardly anyone in the restaurant. Not like it was packed. The Applebees staff should all be fired. Wouldn’t they have noticed if the couple walked in normally while the others in the bathroom probably looked shook.
Headline fix…..”Deadbeat drain on society family appears with scumbag lawyer and other clingers on trying to win the resisting arrest lottery.”
I wish to revise my earlier post calling them deadbeat and drains on society. That was uncalled for, wrong, and I apologize. The headline should read “Grown man who used infant as a shield from police appear with scumbag lawyer and other race baiters tying to win the resisting arrest lottery.”
Racist much? Do you even know what they do for a living or do you just assume anyone not your color has to be a leach. U are the racebaiter. He’s a dad concerned for his kid. There is no way in hell id simply put my kid down in a room full of strangers and hotheaded cops certain I’m their criminal. He was right from the start, he told them to check the security cameras twice before they escalated shit. It’s not easy to trust cops when they are looking for a reason to screw someone over.
The Police Chief should hold a press conference and re-educate the public on how to follow directions and commands of law enforcement. Doesn’t matter the scenario, whether it’s a traffic stop, or if your eating dinner with your family in a restaurant. Escalation happens because citizens no longer comply. The details get figured out after they detain you, and being detained doesn’t mean your getting arrested, that’s the real truth. If the couple would have complied instead of resisting, they could have calmly shown the officers the vehicle they arrived in and proven that it wasn’t them involved in the hit and run. But, the lady was in possession of marijuana, while in the care of her child, and who knows if either the lady or the gentleman was licensed to operate a vehicle, which could have initially been the reason they didn’t want to interact with Police. Officers have a job to do, plain and simple. This is not a skin color issue, this is a cultural issue.
Well said!
But there’s good money to be had in fighting with the police and then hiring a racial ambulance chaser.
Absolutely! Just like the Blake non sense. The Chief needs to get out in front and defend his cops and lay down the law. The KPD has this odd code of silence when they could do themselves a lot of good just by standing up and calling it the way it is.
Except we are also allowed to resist an unlawful arrest.
Defending violent arrests when they are wrong and the person is innocent is not “resisting” and since this isn’t China, the cops don’t have 100% authority to do whatever they want to people. Thats how we prevent cops from being tyrannical.
Lick them boots good sir! Make sure u keep that same mentality when they come for your guns
B
L
D
M
BLDMTBLM…
Black lives don’t matter to BLACK LIVES MATTER. All lives matter!
Get the check book out Kenosha , your police officers did it again acted like a holes .
sad there are so many great kpd guys and gals but these ones that act like this we need to get them gone ,
Pppd needs to get their checkbook out as well. The Sgt on video was right there.
Man they sure picked up a J Ew lawyer real quick. Shitskins!
Well, this is the dawning of the age of Taquarius. ?
I see loser Blake is still fishing for cash. He still thinks he did nothing wrong.
“will have lifelong respiratory and cardiac issues. “
Quick, get him on social security disability for life! Oh, sorry, he is probably already getting it for life because one or both of his parents have a “learning disorder” or “ADHD”.
Don’t worry, they will get little Taquarious a diagnosis before he is 18 so he will never have to work, and to pay for however many children he can have.
There are generations of the 13% who have never worked and never will.
Go to work whitey and pay your taxes.
Dogwhistle. Nice job putting your discriminatory views on paper. ❄️
Seriously. No wonder it’s so screwed. It’s full of racists. Had that happened to a white family, the whole trump church group would be there with pitchforks
The Chief is Not In Charge. Mafia,Gds,Vatos Locos and Asians ( “policers’ )
Training Day is Kenosha!!
For the love of money!!!
Now, Thank Google for Google Geo fencing……
Keep an close eye on your Google take out……”unknown device”…..
You disgust me. Obviously biased bet you were one of the rotten ones on the force. hoping you get a taste of your own opinion