A video showing a police officer responding to a belligerent woman went viral. The confrontation occurred while New York City Police Department officers were in the process of arresting 22-year-old Elvin James, who has been charged in connection with an attempted murder during a fight.
James was reportedly carrying an illegal ghost gun and had illegal drugs on his person at the time of his arrest. The situation was a high-risk scenario that required intense focus by the arresting officers. So, when a woman intervened in their duties, she had to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Officer Kendo Kinsey (right) punched 19-year-old Tamani Crum (left) in the face after she shoved and hit him. (Photo Credit: Screenshot)
Cell phone footage shows 19-year-old Tamani Crum getting in the face of NYPD Detective Kendo Kinsey as he and several other officers were arresting James, who is reported to be her boyfriend. The young woman can be seen shoving Officer Kinsey, prompting him to shove her back. She immediately returns, striking the officer’s chest. At this point, the officer delivers one solid punch to her face, sending her falling to the sidewalk.
The blow caused Crum to hit the back of her head on the concrete. As she lies on the ground holding her head, additional officers help her up and place her under arrest. She was subsequently charged with a single count of second-degree obstructing criminal administration. Crum pleaded not guilty and was released without bail, according to the New York Post.
Tamani Crum’s family insists that she did nothing wrong and that Officer Kinsey “should never, never, never put his hands on her, or any female.”
“I get blown away to see this happen to my daughter; it’s so painful for a mother to see that,” the mother of 19-year-old Tamani Crum told WNBC-TV. “They are just violating these kids’ rights; it’s not right.”
Crum’s mother said that she hired an attorney for her daughter and that they want to see Officer Kinsey punished.
“This has to stop, and we are seeking full accountability in this action,” attorney Jamie Santana Jr. said. “You mean to tell me a grown man more than twice her size in weight could not handle a 19-year-old female in a different manner?”
The Detectives Endowment Association defended Officer Kinsey and announced that they are considering filing a lawsuit on his behalf.
“Criminals in NY have grown accustomed to there being no consequences for their dangerous, illegal actions – but when you assault a New York City Detective in order to interfere with an arrest of a man armed with a gun there are repercussions,” the union said in a statement. “As the [Detectives Endowment Association] explores a possible civil suit on behalf of our dedicated member against the woman who attacked him, we urge politicians to open their eyes and see the public safety disaster they’ve created.”
Elvin James was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder as a hate crime.
Officer Kendo Kinsey was placed under investigation for his response to Tamani Crum’s interference. Even if he is found to be justified in his handling of the situation, he faces lengthy and costly legal ramifications.
Crum intervened in a situation in which officers were trying to arrest an allegedly armed and dangerous individual. Her interference put officers and civilians at risk and had to be stopped quickly. Disturbingly, many are outraged over the officer’s reaction while giving a pass to someone who could have gotten innocent people injured or killed.