Michigan Cop's Conduct Questioned After Video Captures Pepper-Spray Use And Racist Explanation

A police chief in Michigan attributed a “disproportionate number of minorities” to crime in the community as justification for pepper-spraying two Black men under erroneous accusations. Lonnie Smith and Mason Woods, both 22, were attending Michigan State University's Fall Welcome events when a police officer, misinterpreting a verbal exchange as a fight, engaged them aggressively. Surveillance footage revealed that Smith was attempting to de-escalate the minor incident when the officer intervened, spraying both men and nearby bystanders. Despite evidence contradicting her claims, East Lansing Police Chief Jennifer Brown contended that her team was merely responding to a rise in crime linked to minority populations. Smith, who was not intoxicated, and Woods, who had been drinking, are now pursuing lawsuits against Chief Brown and Officer Andrew Lyon for false arrest and excessive force. The fallout has ignited discussions about racial bias within law enforcement, with calls for Chief Brown's resignation echoing in the community.