Yet another case of extreme police brutality!
Pearl Pearson is a 64-year-old deaf man from Oklahoma City who was beaten by highway patrol officers after he didn’t ‘obey the officer’s orders’, this despite the fact that he had a ‘Driver is Deaf’ sign clearly displayed on his car.
As Pearl was trying to bring out his ID, officers commenced beating him before he could continue. His ID would also have shown him to be deaf.
The officers seemed to feel that it was appropriate to ‘beat him first and ask questions later’.
The officers state that the man fled the scene of a crime and a 7-minute physical altercation ensued. However, a neighbor describes Pearl to be ‘a kind and generous man, a happy soul’.
We are witnessing a huge increase in police brutality as police across the country are becoming more and more militarized!
If you wish to help Pearl with the legal and medical expenses he has created a website to facilitate donations:
http://www.pearlpearson.com
OKLAHOMA CITY – On Jan. 3, court records claim Pearl Pearson fled the scene of a car accident in south Oklahoma City.
An affidavit claims that when Pearson was pulled over along the Easter Ave. exit, just off I-40, he resisted two officers and refused to comply with repeated orders to display his hands.
There was a seven-minute altercation.
It does not say whether the officers were aware that he is hearing impaired.
Late Tuesday Pearl’s attorney, Billy Coyle, says “My client is completely innocent of these allegations. We are waiting on the OHP report and we are sorting through the facts of the case. My client is profoundly deaf and was trying to give officers his specialty license during the stop”.
He says his client, a deaf man, was brutalized at the scene, at the hospital and continued at the jail.
One neighbor said the incident is a misunderstanding by troopers that went too far.
“I know they do dangerous jobs and they put their lives on the line, but that is over the top,” Sacia Law said. “It’s completely unacceptable. Seven minutes of just basically beating someone?”
The OHP said our request for an interview has been forwarded to the proper division for consideration.
NewsChannel 4 received a statement Monday evening regarding Pearson’s arrest.
Lt. Brian Orr, with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, said, “We can confirm the arrest and charges were filed for leaving the scene of an accident and resisting arrest. The case went to the Oklahoma County District Attorney and any details of this case will have to come from the DA’s office. We will review the arrest administratively and if it is determined there were violations of department policy, we will take appropriate action.”
NewsChannel 4 learned on Tuesday the two Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers involved, Eric Foster and Kelton Hayes, have been suspended with pay while the investigation into this incident continues.
An OHP spokesman says if the agency determines that there were violations during the arrest, appropriate action will be taken.
TSHA is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Pearson in Tulsa on Thursday evening.
Story clarification: It was originally reported the group Total Source for Hearing-loss & Access accused highway patrol troopers of using excessive force during a traffic stop involving Pearl Pearson. That group did not make that statement.
The website pearlpearson.com does make the claim, “Pearson was pulled over and rolled down his window, expecting an officer to ask for this identification. An officer struck him in the face before Pearl had the chance to do anything.”
That site is not affiliated with TSHA.
Really? After they beat an elderly deaf man they get to take a vacation…Paid? This is bullsh*t. How did he get black eyes? How and what could he possibly done to be struck in the face? Can Olkahoma state troopers not subdue a 65 year old man without beating him in the face? They need to seriously consider a career change if not. I am sick and tired of hearing of this kind of behavior from law enforcement. You are not judge, jury, and executioner. They need to be charged with assault just like one of us would be. Then when they go to prison tell them not to drop the soap.
May the justice of God give them the same place as Hitler forever.
WOW, Holy C**p, This Type of behaviour from the Law Enforcement Coppers in this State should be Hauled over the Coals for this Disgusting Display of Brutality by beating this Deaf Man SO Badly that He needed to seek Treatment from a nearby Hospital and then to Charge him with a Fictitious Crime on top of this Brutality is a Crime in itself brought on by these two Cops, They should be Stood down from all Duties, Pending Investigations and then severely Reprimanded for their Actions, Yeah I know, I am Not an American, Yet I would NEVER Expect this Type of Brutality from any Law Enforcement Officers, No Matter Who they work for and these two should be Sacked on the Spot, ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED At their Behaviour. 🙁
I appreciate your article however what the story fails to tell you it that the alleged victim of police brutality, did in fact flee from officers refusing to stop. Then when he finally stop, came out of the car and began fighting with the officers. He gave as good as he got. All injuries to the officers and the arrested individual were about equal and all were treated and released from a local hospital prior to coming to jail.
How do I know you ask. Read my nickname. I was there when he came in.
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