A video of a frightened young boy named, Michael Thomas Jr., has gone viral after he was handcuffed by Chicago Police for fitting the description of a call the department received.
Authorities said the boy was stopped for questioning and handcuffed, due to him matching a called in description of a 10-12 year-old boy with a gun. Footage, obtained by NBC Chicago, shows the boy standing against the police car with members of the community, including Michael’s grandmother and uncle, confronting the police saying that they must have the wrong kid. Michael’s uncle states, “They’re telling them that someone called them saying that there is a 12-year-old black kid on a bike with all blue on had a gun.” He then goes on to say, “There was about five little black boys with all blue on.”
Michael’s grandmother who is also seen in the video saying “I raised up my grandbaby’s shirt. He don’t have anything on him. Take those handcuffs off of him.”
Witnesses say about 15 minutes later the handcuffs were removed, however little Michael was so scared that by the time he was freed from the handcuffs he had already wet himself. Upon being released you can see the boy burst into tears while in his uncle’s arms.
Police told the news station that they have plans on reaching out to the family, but still say the officers involved followed proper protocol. However, Michael’s mother, Starr Ramsey says, “I want answers.”
