Multiple groups, including Black Lives Matter, rallied in Sarasota on Saturday, demanding justice for Chad Washington.

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Washington was arrested on three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer following a run-in with police on March 22.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, Washington was apparently high on spice when he punched and bit two Sarasota police officers who had responded to a medical episode at a home in the 1700 block of Gore Court. Police said he punched, kicked and bit the officers for several minutes until backup arrived to the scene to subdue him.  

But Washington’s fiancée, Darnesha McMillan is telling a different story.  

McMillan told SNN the officers used excessive force during Washington’s arrest.  

“He was constantly tasing him, which is what he did from the moment he walked into that house. He tased him all the way out the door, which is where he ended up underneath that police car,” she said.

This was not mentioned in the report obtained by News Channel 8.  

On Saturday, a number of people gathered in Fredd Atkins Park with Black Lives Matter Manasota, the Rodney Mitchell Foundation and Answer Suncoast, demanding answers and justice.

The groups posed the following questions about how the arrest was handled:  

  • Where are the 25 body camera the Sarasota Police Department has in their possession
  • Why is the SPD report so incredibly detailed yet missing the entire part where Mr. Washington got tased?
  • What is police protocol when dealing with an obvious incapacitated yet UNARMED person in distress?
  • How did the SPD marketing team decide Mr. Washington was on spice having completed NO DRUG TEST? 
  • Why does Sarasota’s law enforcement lie, and continuously vilify Sarasota’s black people EVERYTIME a major incident occurs?

When News Channel 8 reached out to the police department for comment, they sent us the original press release announcing his arrest.

The agency often hosts movie nights in downtown Sarasota, but Saturday’s film was canceled ahead of the protests.  

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. 

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