Memphis, TN (abc24.com) - A Memphis mother wants to know what is taking so long, as Memphis police confirm they're still investigating an excessive force complaint filed after an early October 2011 arrest on Beale Street.
Police say Jarrell Williams, 22, was arrested after he refused to leave Beale, according to an affidavit. Shortly after his arrest, grainy cell phone video of the arrest appeared on YouTube. In the video, it appears an officer strikes Williams several times.
Soon after, Mayor A C Wharton called for a "swift" investigation.
"Being a parent, it was horrific." said Lisa Brooks, Williams' mother.
Brooks said she couldn't watch all of the video, and wonders, why now, 2 months later, the officers involved remain under investigation.
"Them being police officers to protect and serve, that was ridiculous," she said.
"Under the law, anytime there is a chance that a police officer might face criminal prosecution, it is very difficult to get information from them," Mayor Wharton said.
Wharton declined to talk about the excessive force complaint or the subsequent investigation in detail, but said he is fine with the pace of the investigation.
"When it comes to criminal prosecutions, it is not how quick you do it, but whether you do it right," said Wharton.
Meanwhile, one thing that is moving, is the criminal case against Williams stemming from the arrest. He is due back in court on January 12th.
