He had spent his entire campaign promising the citizens of his state that he would reform police practices, that he understood the realities of driving while black. Now the universe had handed him a front row seat to the very corruption he had sworn to root out. He wanted to see exactly how this officer operated when he thought nobody was watching. When he believed he held absolute power over a vulnerable citizen. I'm passing through on my way to the county hospital.
David said evenly. Hospital? Huh? Mercer scoffed. He unclipped a high-powered flashlight from his belt and shined it directly into the windows of the explorer, scanning the empty interior.
Whose car is this? Mine I find that hard to believe? Mercer sneered. Hand over your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Right now, officer, under what suspicion are you demanding my identification?
David asked, his tone still perfectly polite, but carrying a bedrock of unyielding authority. I am parked at a commercial establishment, committing no traffic violations, engaging in a lawful transaction. According to the Fourth Amendment, and this states specific statutes, you need reasonable, articulable suspicion of a crime to demand my papers. " Mercer froze. The flashlight beam dropped a few inches. He was not used to being challenged, and he certainly wasn't used to a suspect citing case law in the freezing rain.
It infuriated him. The veins in his thick neck began to bulge. "Listen to me very closely, pal," Mercer growled, taking a step closer. You are in a high crime area at 10:30 at night, driving a high theft vehicle, acting evasive, and refusing a lawful order. That gives me all the probable cause I need to rip you out of that oversized sweatshirt.
Now, I'm going to tell you one last time. Give me your ID or I will take you down for obstruction. There has been no crime committed here, and I am not acting evasive, David maintained, not moving an inch. I strongly suggest you step back. Let me finish pumping my gas and go about your shift.
You are making a profound mistake. That was the match in the powder barrel. Mercer lunged forward. He grabbed David by the front of his Georgetown hoodie, yanking him violently forward before slamming him backward against the slick side of the explorer. The impact knocked the wind out of David.
The nozzle of the gas pump clicked off. "Turn around. Put your hands on the vehicle. " Mercer screamed, spittle flying from his lips. He violently twisted David's arm behind his back, pressing his heavy forearm into the space between David's shoulder blades. David grimaced in pain, but he complied, placing his free hand flat against the cold, wet glass of his car window.
He didn't fight back. He didn't resist. He let Mercer assert his brutal, unwarranted physical control. You think you're smart? You think you can talk circles around me?