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THE DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING OVER ALL MATERIALS RELATED TO THIS ARREST TO THE ALABAMA STATE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND HAS REQUESTED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE ARREST.
A female police officer is seen tasering Washington while handcuffed laying across the hood of a car screaming out in pain.
"It's not illegal to be black and changing a tire. I understand complying with a police officer and ultimately he did comply. But he still ended up arrested and tased," remarked Maxwell. Maxwell says we have rights in this country; this is not China or Iran. It is not against the law to question an officer why they are asking for ID.
He explains there were no drugs involved. But he was charged with trafficking fentanyl and given a bond of half a million dollars which he didn't learn about until he was brought to court.
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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is handling the investigation and Reform sent a statement saying the officer is on leave. The officer in the video has not made any public comments.
Defense attorney Leroy Maxwell, Jr. says all those charges should be dismissed. He contends this was not a legal arrest and there was no resistance.
"I was respectful saying yes ma'am, no ma'am," recalled Washington. Washington says the officer tased him and he fell to the ground. That's when his brother started recording on his cellphone.
Maxwell says as far as he knows there is no bodycam or dashcam available only the cellphone video. He contends the officer used excessive force and committed assault and battery which should lead to criminal charges.
For the first time, 24-year-old Micah Washington is publicly sharing his story about what happened during his encounter with a Reform police officer Saturday. That incident in Pickens County was partially captured on his brother's cellphone showing images that have horrified many.
He still faces three other charges including resisting arrest, obstruction and marijuana first degree. He posted a $5,000 on those charges.
"I try to act okay, but I am really traumatized. I don't know how to feel about police now," remarked Washington. He said he has never had a run-in or issue with police before. Now he would like an apology, accountability and justice for others who have been through similar things.
Maxwell plans to file a civil lawsuit. "I was heartbroken to see a young man like that. When he started crying it broke everyone's heart to see the pain and torture he was going through and how she seemed to be enjoying it," remarked Maxwell.
Washington told us prior to this incident he never had an issue with law enforcement in Pickens County. Now he plans to stay closer to home in Tuscaloosa County. For now his plans to go to welding school are on hold until he can clear the criminal charges.
Washington said it all began as he and his brother were changing a flat tire on the side of the road near his aunt's home. He recalls the officer approached and asked to see his ID. Washington questioned what were they doing wrong and why did he have to show his ID, but says he did comply.
After the officer ordered him to get up, Washington was walked to the car in handcuffs. Washington says he reported to the officer he had a gun in his pocket which he was legally carrying. He was tased again. Washington screams "Oh my God" and can be heard crying. The officer asks "You want it again?"
Maxwell says there are plenty of good officers, but this is about accountability. "We got some bad apples. This is a perfect example of one. Administrative leave is not enough. This officer has to be terminated; only certain people are qualified to wear a badge and carry a gun," said Maxwell.
Once in the back of the police car Washington said the police officer said "your bitch ass ain't so tough now, we gonna enjoy watching this video."
When Washington sat down with us Thursday, he said he couldn't watch the video again. The audio, he said, was especially tough to hear, so he is staying away from social media.
Washington says he was more concerned something would happen to his brother than himself. "I just want justice; honestly for her to get what's coming to her on the legal side," said Washington.