Last week after work I stopped by the Neighborhood Market for a few groceries. It happened to be in an upper class neighborhood, with homes selling for much higher than the median home price in our city. I was checking emails on my work phone when I heard sirens going by, I thought, which is not unusual, a major medical center was just up over the hill. But when I looked up I saw that police had pulled up behind me and in front of me, lights flashing on their black SUVs, three of them, while another quickly followed. Two spaces away and facing me, was an older man in what looked to be a 1980s Toyota pickup. The officers approached the truck. I could not hear what was being said but the suspect apparently said something they didn’t like. When he got out of his truck one of the officers, a big burly guy, immediately threw him to the ground. There were no weapons of any kind. Now it is certainly the police officer’s right to apprehend someone they believe has broken the law. But the response was so overboard it seemed ridiculous. I could’ve taken that old man out and I’m 5’6″. He was no threat to anyone. But four officers, all stronger and much younger thought it necessary to tackle him on the asphalt. Again, I did not hear what was said between them but the tackling officer was so angry it seemed way out of proportion to the situation. I don’t know what he had done, I suspect he took something from the store. Walmart has a very aggressive policy towards shoplifting. And I don’t condone stealing but I am certain that the whole thing could’ve been accomplished without violence. They put handcuffs or zip ties, I could not see which, on him and took him away.

So much anger, everywhere. Was it because the man, who was obviously experiencing hard times, he was rough looking, driving an old worn out car, with worn out clothes and generally unkempt, had ventured into an upper class neighborhood? It was Walmart, after all, not Saks Fifth Avenue. Was it because the officer knew he could get away with it? It could’ve been something totally unrelated to the parking lot I was in, but still, the man did not resist and was no physical threat to anyone, especially the policemen.

It makes me sad to realize that this is the new normal. I tried to back up and leave when I saw this happening, but the officer’s vehicle blocked me in. A few other customers came out to their cars, most tried to ignore what they saw, didn’t want to get involved. I have seen, over the years many people being apprehended by police either inside a store or outside in the parking lot. This was the first time I have seen someone thrown to the ground, who was not even trying to resist. So much anger, it can’t be a good thing for our society.

One thing I did do, was drive away without entering the store. After the police moved their SUVs I decided that I would take my business elsewhere. Which is a shame because I shop at that location frequently. I’ll find another store that’s more peaceful. It may not change anything. But the least I can do is not ignore it.