In the lawsuit, Jennings’ attorney also claimed a false arrest.
At a press conference on Saturday, Jennings said he felt dehumanized and humiliated during his arrest, and that his wife and neighbors begged police to release him.
“I thought what they did that day, that they would not get any punishment and that no action would be taken against them. I felt dehumanised, almost never. I did,” said Jennings. “I felt helpless, and it hurt me.”
He added that despite verbally identifying himself to officers who responded, police did not believe him. He said he had no intention of going to pick it up and give it to the police.
According to the lawsuit, Jennings was taken into custody, booked at the Talladega County Jail, and released after posting $500 bail.
Jennings’ charges were dismissed on June 1, according to the complaint.
A lawyer for Jennings said Saturday that, under an interpretation of Alabama law, Jennings had permission to be on private property and did not have to identify himself to police.
“I didn’t come here for revenge.”
Attorney Harry Daniels said he hoped the exchange would go viral and draw the attention of law enforcement agencies across the country to “not doing that,” highlighting the pastor’s calm and composed personality. , arrested.
Another attorney for Jennings, Bethany Embry-Jones, said the police should have been more knowledgeable about the law, adding that the incident should have never happened.
Alabama NAACP President Benard Simmelton called out to the people I find myself in a similar situation to Jennings to document what happens.
Jennings said Saturday The mayor of Childersburg has yet to be contacted regarding his arrest.
“Today I am here to hold myself accountable,” Jennings said. “We are not here for revenge, we are here for accountability and justice.”
Daniels said the lawsuit seeks relief from the courts and a jury trial.
Childersburg Mayor Ken Wesson and the Childersburg Police Department did not respond to CNN’s request for comment on Saturday.
Source: www.cnn.com
