Running from the police in America is a crap shoot, and a dangerous one at that. All too often, police officers will claim that their lives were in danger from a person who simply doesn't want to be locked in a cage for possessing a plant, so they will shoot fleeing suspects — with impunity. Jerime Mitchell learned the hard way how dangerous it can be to flee cops.
On November 1, Cedar Rapids police officer Lucas Jones targeted Mitchell for revenue collection and pulled him over for the non-crime of having a license plate light out.
While Jones was talking with Mitchell, he smelled marijuana, according to the police report. Because he smelled this plant, Jones then claimed the
legal right to kidnap Mitchell and throw him in a cage. Up until Jones attempted to deprive Mitchell of his freedom, he was cooperating and being cordial.
Although there is no audio from the stop, we can tell from the pair's body language that things were relatively calm before the handcuffs came out.
However, not wanting to be thrown in a cage for possessing a plant, Mitchell then resisted and tried to escape. According to the police report, an altercation ensued:
— An altercation between the two men ensued when Jones tried to place Mitchell in handcuffs.
— Mitchell tried to get into his truck and leave, but Jones held on and somehow became caught between the open door and truck. Jones told Mitchell to stop, but he accelerated instead.
— Fearing for his life, Jones pulled his service weapon with his free arm and fired three shots at Mitchell's head. One hit Mitchell in the neck, paralyzing him. Jones then broke free and fell backward.
