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Police brutality

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On July 18 2017, my brothers and I were out cutting yards when we were 
racial profiled by a Precinct 1 Constable.  He claimed that we "fit the description" and wanted to question us about what we were doing in the neighborhood. It seemed like it was kind of obvious what we were doing with lawnmowers, weedwhackers and leafblowers but I explained that we were landscaping anyway. He asked for my ID and gave him my information and asked for his. That's when things escalated. Instead of identifying himself he pulled out handcuffs and told me to turn around and place my hands on my head. He was placing me under arrest because I asked for his ID. I was scared of what might happen next so I backed up slowly and started heading home. The officer pulled out his taser and placed my two brothers under arrest as I made my way back to our house located in the same neighborhood. Officers came to my home and kicked my mother's door in. They handcuffed my 13 year old sister and two other siblings before coming for me. 

I was in the restroom upstairs when I heard them kick in the door. I stuck out my hands from the restroom and the officer told me to turn around. When I did with my hands up he tasered me in my back. He then commanded a K-9 unit to attack. As the dog's teeth snatched at my right armed the officer tasered me again in the back. He then placed me in handcuffs. He stood over me and stomped my back twice and said I shouldn't have went home.

My brothers and I never wanted any of this to happen. I'm a college student  majoring in business accounting. I worked a full time job at the local Walmart before I was fired as a result of this arrest. In addition to that my brothers and I started D&M Lawn Services. We've been working all summer to grow the business and recently printed out cards to serve as advertisement. We want to continue our efforts.

The dog attack caused significant injuries to my arm and the incident had caused major damage to our business. Not only did I lose my full time job but my brothers and I were arrested in our most profitable neighborhood, the one we live in. Officers told neighbors that there had  been break ins and we were suspects. The reputation damage is irreplaceable. We are asking for your help in rebuilding our business and recouping the lost wages. Not only did I plan to use the money earned this summer to pay for school expenses, I now have additional medical bills and legal expenses to consider.  

 My brothers and I believe we can turn this negative into a positive despite it all. We want to grow and expand our business and teach others about opportunities in entrepreneurship over selling drugs. We want to speak out against injustice and police brutality. We want to be sure the officers involved here are held accountable. If you want to join us please make a donation of any amount and we will keep you up to date on our progress. Thank you for your support.




Organizer

Marlin Gipson
Organizer
Houston, TX

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