[Warning: While the video above is censored, the audio contains strong language]
A violent arrest at a Saraland, Alabama Waffle House has prompted an investigation by the company. Chikesia Clemons‘ mother claims all her daughter did was ask why she was being charged extra for plastic utensils, which had not been the case in the past.
Chiquitta Clemons-Howard told AL.com that her daughter refused to pay, and the employee canceled the order. Chikesia then asked for the district manager’s information so she could complain. The next thing she knew, the cops were there arresting her.
“They didn’t even ask her to leave, she was waiting for them to give her the district manager’s card so she could file a complaint on one of the waitresses,” Clemons-Howard said. “The officer should’ve come in and said we need you to leave.”
Video taken by Clemons’ friend Canita Adams shows multiple officers talking to Clemons, with one appearing to by physically restraining her. The video then shows multiple officers wrestling Clemons to the ground, exposing her breasts as her top came down during the struggle.
Chikesia repeatedly asked officers what they were doing. At one point, an officer can be heard responding, “I’m about to break your arm, that’s what I’m about to do.”
Local residents characterized the incident as an example of racial bias by the Waffle House staff and white officers against Clemons. Protesters showed up outside the Waffle House Sunday afternoon, and one black man was placed in handcuffs by the white officers who responded to the demonstration.
Despite the outrage over the incident, a spokesperson for Waffle House said that they have been reviewing the incident and believe Clemons’ account may not be accurate.
“[I]t’s fair to say that the information we have received at this point differs significantly from what has reportedly been attributed to Ms. Clemons and strongly supports the actions taken by the Saraland Police Department,” spokesperson Pat Warner said.
Saraland PD spokeswoman Det. Collette Little said, “The situation is being thoroughly reviewed and is under active investigation right now. Our department strives for transparency and we encourage our community to be aware of current events.”
[Image via screengrab]
