Mentally Handicapped Kid Arrested for Mistaken Speech Impediment
June 30th, 2011
A 17-year old child was arrested on Wednesday in Dayton, Ohio after a police officer mistook his speech impediment as a sign of disrespect. Jesse Kersey, a mentally-handicapped kid, was riding his bike when he was stopped by a police officer, which is difficult for him due to his speech impediment. The police officer mistook the impediment for a sign of disrespect and chased after Jesse, who was going back home to get his mother. Soon, the officer followed him, and was joined by up to 20 other officers who make a b-line for Jesse’s house. Despite being told by neighbors and friends of the family that Jesse was handicapped and didn’t understand what was going on, the police stormed the house and tasered Jesse as he tried to resist arrest. He was arrested for assault, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business, but the case was dismissed due to Jesse being declared “incompetent” and was unaware of what was going on. His family is suing for false arrest and emotional distress caused by the ordeal.
It is important to realize that, even if Jesse was mouthing off to the police, he is within his right to do so, because it is considered free speech, which is still thankfully legal in this country. Therefore, there was no real reason to arrest Jesse, even more so when the officer was informed that he was mentally handicapped and had trouble processing what was going on. I guess when an officer has a case of the Taser trigger finger, reason and civil discourse goes out the window.
