Mother, sisters of Alvin Cole arrested during protests
The officer who shot Cole claimed self-defense
Family members of Alvin Cole were arrested in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin during protests earlier this week.
According to USA Today, Cole’s mother Tracy and two sisters Taleavia and Tristiana were among those arrested at demonstrations. They were taken into custody around 9PM as the city of Wauwatosa was under a 7PM curfew.
These curfew was established after Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm decided not to charge Officer Joseph Mensah for the fatal shooting of Cole.
Read More: Wisconsin Black man falsely arrested at his own home sues city
The 17-year-old boy was shot outside of the Mayfair mall parking lot on Feb. 2, reports USA Today. Mensah claimed self-defense in the incident.
Police were called after an altercation between Cole and other parties, which resulted in an on-foot chase where the teenager allegedly pulled out a weapon. Cole allegedly fired his gun by accident, injuring himself. The story continued to detail three police officers standing around Cole, with Cole pointing a weapon in their direction before Mensah fired the fatal shot.
The death became the police officer’s third fatal shooting in a five-year span.
“It doesn’t end here. We have to make sure he is fired immediately. We have to make sure he don’t ever get a job ever again as a police officer,” Taleavia said according to the news outlet.
Read More: Wisconsin police shoot Black man several times from behind, sparking protests
Now, as continued protests call for his firing, the city has attempted to keep its version of peace with curfews to encourage citizens to stay home. A group bypassed the new regulation and took to the streets and the family members and others were arrested. USA Today reported the incident captured via Facebook Live showed Tracy Cole, 48, screaming while being handcuffed.
“I’m Alvin Cole’s mother,” she yelled according to the news outlet. “I cant believe y’all did this to me. Y’all killed my son.”
During the live stream, Tracy allegedly claimed to have a been bleeding from her head and an injured arm. An officer reportedly responded “Well, that’s too bad,” to her claim. Family attorney Kimberley Motley said to USA Today both Tracy and Tristiana were treated for injuries following the conflict.
State Rep. LaKeshia Myers, claimed 11 people were arrested for violating curfew, not confirming the Cole family were among those taken into custody.
Democratic State Rep. David Bowen was with protestors the night of the arrests and tells USA Today it confirms the nature of police behavior.
“It just shows more of this over-aggressive police response, targeted toward people who are advocating for change,” he said.
During the demonstration, Tracy Cole slammed law-enforcement’s response to their small, peaceful protests.
“The state troops are here with full-body gear ready to tear us down. But you know what? It’s just going to make us stronger,” she said.
Motley called the arrests of her clients “absolutely outrageous,” and said while Tracy and Tristiana, had been released from the hospital, police did not release information regarding Taleavia Cole.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!
