New Jersey cops mistake 10 year-old black boy for adult suspect, chase him with guns drawn

[KamaAina]

http://thegrio.com/2016/08/23/new-jersey-cops-mistake-10-year-old-black-boy-for-adult-suspect-chase-him-with-guns-drawn/

Legend Preston, who is just 10 years old, had been playing with a basketball when his ball rolled into the street, and he chased after it, only to find several police officers with their weapons drawn.

The New Jersey police officers had been chasing down an adult armed robbery suspect when they came across Legend, who ran from the police in terror because he thought he was in trouble for chasing his ball into the street.

“I ran because they thought that I rolled the ball into the street on purpose, and they were just holding shot guns at me trying to shoot me,” Legend said....

“These policemen who had guns drawn on my child are still on these streets,” said Patisha Preston.

[raging moderate]

1. Excuse me, I'm still gagging. A TEN YEAR OLD IS A CHILD!

Okay, I maybe do have a constructive thought, if I can get it out.

These police officers need special training and re-training in differentiating between faces and ages etc. among African Americans. There should be a special simulation program they have to complete successfully again and again, periodically, to keep their badges. And it should make extra sure that they can tell the difference between children and adults.

I am still gagging. Oh, no. No, no, no.

What can we tell Patisha and Legend Preston? Don't play outside? Don't walk outside? Don't stand outside? Do they have to hide?

Dear Legend: I am so sorry.

Dear Patisha: I am so sorry.

We have to do better than this. Much better.

[psychmommy]

2. I am just thankful he survived.

So many don't. Once guns are drawn, there is every intent to use them. I cant imagine being 10 years old and looking down the barrel of several cops guns. This country is getting scarier and scarier.

[Iggo]

3. Cops.

They're the best.

[sheshe2]

4. The video at the link is heartbreaking.

[uponit7771]

5. Before I look at the vid in the link someone please tell me the 10yr old is at least 5' 9" tall or..

... that he looked like he weight 175lbs or something.