Video footage captured a woman hitting and shoving a police officer as they arrested an attempted murder suspect. However, things took a sudden turn when the officer decided to give her a taste of her own medicine.
A video showing a police officer responding to a belligerent woman went viral. The confrontation occurred while New York City Police Department officers were in the process of arresting 22-year-old Elvin James, who has been charged in connection with an attempted murder during a fight.
James was reportedly carrying an illegal ghost gun and had illegal drugs on his person at the time of his arrest. The situation was a high-risk scenario that required intense focus by the arresting officers. So, when a woman intervened in their duties, she had to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Cell phone footage shows 19-year-old Tamani Crum getting in the face of NYPD Detective Kendo Kinsey as he and several other officers were arresting James, who is reported to be her boyfriend. The young woman can be seen shoving Officer Kinsey, prompting him to shove her back. She immediately returns, striking the officer’s chest. At this point, the officer delivers one solid punch to her face, sending her falling to the sidewalk.
The blow caused Crum to hit the back of her head on the concrete. As she lies on the ground holding her head, additional officers help her up and place her under arrest. She was subsequently charged with a single count of second-degree obstructing criminal administration. Crum pleaded not guilty and was released without bail, according to the New York Post.
Tamani Crum’s family insists that she did nothing wrong and that Officer Kinsey “should never, never, never put his hands on her, or any female.”
Crum’s mother said that she hired an attorney for her daughter and that they want to see Officer Kinsey punished.
The Detectives Endowment Association defended Officer Kinsey and announced that they are considering filing a lawsuit on his behalf
Elvin James was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder as a hate crime.
Officer Kendo Kinsey was placed under investigation for his response to Tamani Crum’s interference. Even if he is found to be justified in his handling of the situation, he faces lengthy and costly legal ramifications.
Crum intervened in a situation in which officers were trying to arrest an allegedly armed and dangerous individual. Her interference put officers and civilians at risk and had to be stopped quickly. Disturbingly, many are outraged over the officer’s reaction while giving a pass to someone who could have gotten innocent people injured or killed.
