The Racine branch of the NAACP called for an external investigation into the arrest that left a suspect with stitches and a black eye.
Balil Gilleylen, 30, was pulled over for a missing license plate on Jan. 22 in the 1200 block of Summit Avenue. He was then spotted with bags used to hold drugs and repeatedly reached into the backseat for something, according to police.
Three officers pulled Gilleylen out of the car. Gilleylen then allegedly tried to disarm an officer. Two officers responded by striking Gilleylen and tasing him. Gilleylen was injured in the arrest, receiving 12 stitches around his right eye.
The case came to light after witnesses called The Journal Times, which printed a front-page story alleging police brutality. Police responded by launching an internal investigation. The case hinges on video cameras embedded in squad cars at the scene. Police have yet to make a statement on what the cameras show.
During a press conference Friday, the NAACP commended eye-witness reports of the alleged wrong-doing. "This is what we as citizens are supposed to do, be it right, wrong or indifferent," said Beverly Hicks, president of the organization.
She added that the NAACP is concerned about additional reports of police misconduct it's heard, and that it plans to work with leaders in the community to address these concerns.
Several community leaders and activists attended the conference. Alderman and County Supervisor QA Shakoor II, former Alderman Keith Fair, Gloria Rodgers and Rayond Hamilton were among those speaking out against the alleged brutality.
Vanessa Gilleylen, Bilal's mother, also attended. She had yet to see her son in jail, where he's being held on charges of cocaine possession and attempt to disarm an officer. She said she didn't understand how a simple traffic stop resulted in such serious crimes.
"He could get 20 years for that?" she said about the prison time Bilal is facing if convicted on all charges.
She believes the police had a role in how the incident unfolded, and she plans to file complaints to make sure the arrest itself is investigated.
What a joke... where is the NAAWP when a white guy gets outta line and gets thumped and tazed? Dont taze me bro! Cops doing their jobs! Thugs mama's cryin and politicians positioning themselves...Where is Sharpton and Jesse... this already hit MSNBC...
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