Charles Harrell just got his morning coffee. He was making his way back when he was accosted by a Cincinnati police officer, who in the video could be seen following him for several minutes prior to asking him to put down his phone and coffee on the ground.
According to Yahoo, 29-year-old Charles Harrell said, "This is what we have to go through in Cincinnati, harassment." He went further saying, "You can't be a black man and enjoy your morning, because the police are going to harass you in Cincinnati, Ohio." In the video, it could be seen that police officer Baron Osterman was trailing behind Harrell.
The video continued recording up to the time that Osterman came up to him. Raw Story reported that off-camera, it can be heard that Osterman told Harrell that "he crossed against the light on the deserted street." To which Harrell responded, "You were scaring me, sir. I don't know why you're following me anyway. You followed me all the way down the street."
After Harrell refused to put down his coffee and phone when Osterman told him to, Harrell instead offered his I.D. At this point, the Cincinnati police officer told him, "Don't reach around," and pinned Harrell against the wall. Harrell was then handcuffed.
Harrell was charged for three crimes. He was arrested for pedestrian violation, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana. Cincinnati.com reported that Officer Baron Osterman was previously linked to an arrest using excessive force. He was also involved in 2003, in the death of black Nathaniel Jones at a restaurant.
After the video recording went viral, Cincinnati police released a statement saying that they would be reviewing the video. As of this writing, Cincinnati.com also reported that Harrell is being held without any bond and will be appearing in court on contempt charges.
