Lake City Florida: Police harking back to a bygone era - When will it change?
Columbia County, FL (Posted September 20, 2011 10:10 pm)
Last night in Lake City, Florida, the good news
announced by City Manager Wendell Johnson of no tax
increases or utility increases was overshadowed by a
recent police incident in the Cedar Park apartment
complex involving the Lake City Police Department
and
the Sheriff. While there may be different versions
regarding the call that instigated the response, the
actions of the LCPD and Columbia County Sheriff Mark
Hunter's apparent blind eye in having the K-9 engaged in
the incident harked back to a bygone era in the South.
![](../images/2011_Lake-City_images/11_0222_steve-witt-175x167px_PC061086.jpg)
Even though tensions were high, Lake City Mayor Steve
Witt, who sets the standard in Columbia County for
defending the democratic process and First Amendment
participation at public meetings, allowed anyone and
everyone who wished to approach the microphone to speak.
Former Lake City Police Captain, Rudolph Davis addressed
the City Council. He told them that during the
disturbance, "citizens of this community recorded videos
showing officers using excessive force while arresting
several juveniles... situations like this can
quickly get out of control... videos do not lie.
After Mr. Davis concluded, Debra White, approached the
lectern. Ms. White told the Council that two of the
children arrested were her grandchildren.
Ms. White told the Council that she witnessed "some of the officers using excessive force."
(The first voice is Councilman Hill.)
Lake City's Police Chief, Argatha Gilmore, listened as
the speakers made their presentations. After City
Councilman Jake Hill mentioned that he had an issue with
one of the LCPD officers drawing his gun, an incident
that Mr. Hill explained was not the first time this
officer had done so, Chief Gilmore addressed the
Council. Chief Gilmore said the investigation was an
internal affairs official investigation. The Chief said
she would not be commenting until it is complete.
Councilman Hill did not appear pleased with the Chief's
answer.
Epilogue
This event was a sad event in the lives of everyone in Lake City. Black folks and white folks alike have, over the course of many years, told the Observer "This is Lake City. Things will never change."
Until it does, the good work and good intentions of so many in Columbia County and Lake City, government and citizens alike will be for naught, as the reputation of this place precedes it, generation after generation.
The
event on You Tube. This contains disturbing images and
words. Be advised. (Click on the
YouTube logo next to the picture to see the videos. Each
one is different.)
This
is a partial view of the scene before the LCPD and the
Sheriff arrived. It looks like a fact finding team of
community officers could have handled this. See the
police arrive on the scene.
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.
What
can be going through this officer's mind? What police
academy teaches this kind of behavior?
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It
is not clear why Sheriff Hunter, who was purportedly on
the scene, allowed the police dog to become involved in
this incident.
This afternoon, the Observer asked Sheriff Hunter this, "I am sure you have heard of Birmingham, Selma, the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Jim Crow etc. I am sure you have seen the films and documentaries regarding this sad time in America. I am sure you have seen the dogs in a sea of Black faces -- young and old. Why is the Sheriff's dog not in the car, but on the scene?"
Sheriff Hunter has not responded.
Watch
closely at the beginning of the video. You will see the
officer take his gun out, move it around and re-holster
it. It is difficult to see, but the magnified portion of
the frame shows the revolver in the officer's hands.
You will also see Sheriff Hunter's K-9.
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Comments (to add a comment go here)
On September 22, 2011, Robert Bellamy of Lake City wrote:
This kind of Police state behavior must cease.