This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Protesters showed up in large numbers at the Airways police station asking why Memphis officers turned off their body and dash cameras before shooting 25-year-old Martavious Banks. They eventually moved to where the shooting happened at Gill and Elvis Presley. They sat in the street and locked arms. About 15 minutes later, police showed up and told people they had five seconds to get out of the street or they’ll be arrested. According to police, the officer counted down from five. When the crowd didn’t disperse, he got out of his car and ordered them again to clear the street. After giving warnings, six individuals refused to move and were taken into custody. Those individuals were identified as Heather Jendoubi, Theryn Bond, Terri Conley, Barbara Buress, Edward Demster and Patrick Ghant.
  • Theryn Bond
  • Barbara Buress
  • Terri Conley
  • Edward Demster
  • Patrick Ghant
  • Heather Jendoubi
According to police, while they were taking people into custody, Buress fled from officers on foot. There was a brief struggle in which Buress and the officer both were knocked to the ground. That’s when Buress allegedly kicked the officer in the face. Both the officer and Buress sustained injuries to their face. Marion Denton was the organizer of the protest. “Memphis police don’t have any answers for this. His body cam was off. They were shut off. So what are we supposed to do, sit here and let this happen?” he said. Denton says he comes in peace, but he wants answers and accountability. “The police officers, instead of being interviewed from duty, they need to  be fired and charged. It’s not going to stop until they are fired and charged.” At one point, things got heated when Keedran Franklin walked up to officers and started yelling in their face. MPD put up barricades shortly after. “Rallings got on the news and said those cameras were turned off, and he’s not confident policy was followed. That’s an admission of guilt, and I’m mad as hell. I can’t take it no more,” a protester said. The passion was easily perceptible, but now the message is clear. “They need to pay their officers higher wages, give them some training, stop the racism and stop corrupt police officers. Just get rid of them,” a protester said.