In Alabama, a police officer faced repercussions after detaining a woman at her residence due to her refusal to present identification. City officials have denounced the arrest of Twyla Stallworth, 40, and mandated additional training for the Andalusia Police Department concerning city regulations and constitutional and state legislation.
Stallworth contacted law enforcement on February 23 regarding a noise complaint from a neighbor’s loud music. Although the music ceased upon the officers’ visit, it resumed shortly after they departed.
To draw attention to the ongoing disturbance, Stallworth activated her car alarm deliberately. This action prompted another neighbor to play loud music, resulting in police responding to Stallworth’s home.
Andalusia Police Officer John G. Barton, captured on cellphone footage by Stallworth’s son, Jermani Marshall, 18, is seen demanding Stallworth’s identification at her doorstep.
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“Ma’am, I’m not arguing with you. Provide ID or go to jail,” Barton asserts in the video. Stallworth’s refusal was rooted in her belief that she was not obligated to furnish identification.
Alabama law permits officers to request individuals’ names, addresses, and explanations of their conduct if they reasonably suspect a crime. However, it does not mandate the identification display such as driver’s licenses or passports. “I’m going to jail? For not providing my ID?” Stallworth queries incredulously.
Subsequently, Barton orders Stallworth’s arrest, prompting her to retreat indoors. Barton, accompanied by Marshall, follows her inside. Despite Marshall’s reassurances and Barton’s request for her final chance to present her ID, Stallworth declines, leading Barton to restrain her on the couch and handcuff her forcefully.
Stallworth faced charges of resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental operations, and attempting to elude police. In a video statement on the city’s website, Mayor Earl Johnson condemned Stallworth’s arrest and announced the dismissal of all charges against her. However, he noted disciplinary action against Barton for failing to adhere to the law but did not elaborate on the nature of the discipline.
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Police Chief Paul Hudson revealed that Barton received a reprimand but was not suspended. Despite requests, obtaining a copy of Stallworth’s arrest report proved difficult. Only the first page was provided, lacking specifics of the encounter.
Stallworth, who is Black, said she believes her arrest may have been racially motivated because both of her neighbors involved in the dispute, who are white, were not arrested.
“My power was taken from me. I wasn’t able to fight back,” Stallworth said. “I wasn’t able to protect my son. I felt powerless. Nobody should be treated this way.”
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Johnson said the city found no evidence of discrimination. In the video, he said, “We have reviewed bodycam footage of the incident and see no evidence of racism.”
A real estate agent, Stallworth spent 15 hours in jail before being bonded out. Her attorney, Harry Daniels, asserted that her arrest was unlawful and is contemplating legal action against the city and its police department.
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