Alabama high school band director is TASERED by cops in front of screaming students and arrested for
The director of an Alabama high school’s band was tasered by police in front of horrified students and arrested after he allegedly refused to stop playing after a football game ended.
Johnny Mims, leader of the band at Minor High School in Adamsville, was charged with disorderly conduct, harassment and resisting arrest for encouraging the students to keep playing after the game at the Jackson-Olin High School had concluded on Thursday.
The band had continued to play as police were trying to clear out the stadium following a win by the Minors.
Both the teams band kept playing after the game was over, but the losing team quickly left after police asked, according to police.
Shocking footage shows the moment police tasered Mims as teens scream in the background.
Johnny Mims, leader of the band at Minor High School in Birmingham, was charged with disorderly conduct on Thursday
Shocking footage shows the moment police tasered Mims as teens scream in the background
The department said in a statement: ‘During the officers’ interaction with Minor’s band director, the decision was made to place him in custody.
‘BPD officers attempted to take the band director into custody for Disorderly Conduct when a physical altercation ensued between the band director, Birmingham City Schools personnel, and BDP officers.
‘During the physical altercation, officers attempted to get the band director to pace his hands behind his back, but he refused.
‘The arresting officer alleges the band director pushed him during the arrest. The arresting officer then subdued the band director with a Taser which ended the physical confrontation.’
Many in the community have left angry comments on the police department’s page, expressing outrage at the arrest.
One comment said: ‘Out of everything going on in Birmingham, the kids was actually doing something safe, fun, and enjoyable & this what happened’
‘How long “after the game” was this? It is common for bands to play after games. I have never heard of police officers asking a band to stop doing their job which is entertainment,’ said another.
Many in the community have left angry comments on the police department’s page, expressing outrage at the arrest
Mims appears to be a beloved member of the community, and many have come out to support him and denounce the incident
A third added: ‘Y’all cops are really out of control… this is disgusting.’
Mims was taken to the hospital, as is protocol after a taser is used, before being booked in a Birmingham jail.
He has since been released on bail, as reported by The Washington Post.
Following backlash, Jefferson County School Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin said on Friday he’s gathering facts and urged ‘everyone not to jump to conclusions.’
Mims, who has worked at the high school since 2018, appears to be a beloved member of the community, and many have come out to support him and denounce the incident.
‘This is absolutely ridiculous! I’m so ashamed of BPD! And it was my fellow Bethune-Cookman school mate and band mate Johnny Mims,’ wrote Krys Winston on Facebook.
‘I was so proud of you when i found out you were the band director at my former high school. I can’t put into words how hurt I am over this!’
Lisa Lawrence added: ;sickens me that this happened. all the videos I’ve seen so far basically just show the cops lied…and I do know Johnny personally…
‘This playing after the game is very common in the south…either because field time was not given at halftime for show performance, and/or as “battle of the bands” send off.’
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