Tanisha Williams
Family and friends immediately assumed police brutality is what caused 18-year-old Tanisha Williams to end up in a coma after her arrest by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department . To put the rumors to rest, a shocking video was released to the media showing the teen choking herself with a seat belt.
The video, which has not been released for the public to see, recorded the crucial moments which left Tanisha Williams brain dead after she was arrested in North Carolina four weeks ago.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department showed the brutal footage from the night of December 5 to reporters and the teenager’s attorney.
Tanisha Williams was arrested outside of CitiTrends clothing store accused of stealing a $14 shirt. Officers handcuffed her and placed her in the back of the parked patrol car noting that she was violent and uncooperative.
The arresting officer went back into the store to finish paperwork while two officers stood by the police cruiser. Then is when Tanisha can be heard screaming ‘I didn’t do anything, I did not steal no shirt.’ She then bangs her head on the Pixelglas divider in the car, causing a crack which grew every time she hit her head.
The officers determined Tanisha Williams needed to be restrained so they went to another officers car to get a restraining device. During this time, Tanisha uses her head to wrap the seat belt around neck. From the video, she can be heard choking before she slumps into the seat.
When the officers returned, one opens the back door to check on Tanisha, and commented that he could see her breathing. It wasn’t until four minutes later when the arresting officer returned with a flashlight when they noticed the teen was slumped over in the backseat with the seatbelt around her neck. The seatbelt was wrapped so tightly around her neck that one police officer had to cut her free and began breathing assistance.
Despite the report and the video that was released, Tanisha’s family is still suing the police department stating they shouldn’t have lefted her alone. “They should have restrained her or kept an eye on her, they’re responsible for her well-being, even if she’s a danger to herself, an attorney for the family said.”
The officers are currently on active duty however a criminal and internal investigation is being conducted.
According to Williams attorney, Tanisha had not taken any drugs or alcohol, and that he was not aware of a history of mental problems.
