Jackson councilman suggests throwing rocks at police
Jimmie E. Gates, The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson, MS
Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said Friday he isn't trying to incite a riot when he suggests throwing rocks, bricks and bottles at police officers from other jurisdictions who chase misdemeanor suspects into Jackson.
"My position is this: When you have these police officers coming from other jurisdictions and they will not respect human life, then I said we should use rocks, bricks or bottles to try to get the message over: stop endangering our children," Stokes said. "Now I have supported police officers in police departments all over this state from when I was a (Hinds County) supervisor when we voted for new cars and equipment for police officer. I opened and closed the last council meeting an honor of an officer who had died. I have named streets after officers in this city."
Those commenting on social media have blasted Stokes for his statement. One person suggested Stokes should be arrested for inciting violence against police.
Another wrote: "Just thinking this cannot be true. Can it be possible that a sworn in official of a city would even think this much less make a statement of this nature. outrageous!"
Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker said in a Facebook post to Stokes that law enforcement will not be intimidated by him.
"Any Madison County law enforcement that is attacked because your ignorant statements, I will hold you responsible," Tucker said. "I fully intend to contact the MS (Mississippi) Attorney General and inquire if your statements constitute assaults on officers by threat."
Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber said on Twitter that while there is a need to demand respect of jurisdictional boundaries, he could never condone violence against officers.
"There is no question of my love and respect for police officers; my first degree was in criminal justice," Stokes said. "I almost became a police officer, but somewhere down the line, we have to draw a line between officers who put human beings safety in jeopardy versus using common sense. I don't consider these police officers. I consider them thugs."
Stokes said he was told by residents of a high speed chase on Mobile Ave. on Christmas Eve involving police officers from Flowood, Ridgeland, and perhaps Pearl.
The Clarion-Ledger was unable to reach police chiefs from the three cities on Friday.
"These kind of chases put children in danger," Stokes said. "They said parents were trying to get their children out of harms way. Now, it is our position that if it is a misdemeanor, you shouldn't be putting children and the elderly in danger."
"Now, if you are talking about a murderer or a bank robbery, then this is person who may be a little more dangerous to the community, but not a misdemeanor," Stokes said. "We have had this discussion over and over again, but it looks like these jurisdictions have taken the position they don't care. And that is the wrong position to take. What are you going to do — wait until someone is killed?"