The family of a 38-year-old man who died after being tased twice by police in Mobile, Alabama, is demanding the release of body camera footage. The incident occurred Sunday night when officers responded to a reported burglary at a mobile home park. Police encountered Jawan Dallas and another man, and during an attempted identification, Dallas reportedly tried to flee.
According to the police, a struggle ensued, leading an officer to deploy a taser, which initially proved ineffective. Dallas allegedly then attempted to seize the officer's taser, prompting a second deployment. Dallas subsequently suffered a "medical emergency" and died at a hospital.
Dallas's mother, Christine Dallas, and her attorney have formally requested the bodycam footage under a new state law allowing families to access such evidence. During a press conference, Mrs. Dallas expressed her grief and demanded accountability. The family's attorney, Harry Daniels, stated that a witness reported seeing Dallas unarmed and roughly 100 yards from the burglary scene when initially tased. The witness alleges Dallas fell, clutched his chest in pain, and was tased a second time, after which he became unresponsive.
While a 2021 Alabama Supreme Court ruling established that police are not obligated to release investigative records, including bodycam footage, the 2023 law provides a process for families to request access. Denial of such requests does not require explanation, and families are prohibited from copying or recording the footage.
Local NAACP President Robert Clopton expressed hope that the Mobile Police Department would release the video, emphasizing the importance of constitutional rights and transparency. Dallas's father also called for justice and accountability. Mrs. Dallas described her son as a generous and kind individual who would help anyone in need.
Mobile police are awaiting reports to determine the cause of death and have declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
