On April 2019, Derrick Thompson was stopped by state troopers on his way to work. They claim to have stopped him due to an expired inspection sticker. When the trooper approached Mr. Thompson's vehicle, they claimed to have smelled marijuana. Derrick Thompson legally did not consent to a search when the troopers asked. The troopers called backup and 10 mins later the state trooper Charles Hewitt arrived. 

Derrick proceed to start recording his encounter legally and understandable so. Being a lone black man in a vehicle surrounded by state troopers in this day and particular climate feels life threatening. There are two troopers on his side and another on the passenger side. Hewitt proceeded to engage Derrick Thompson. Derrick Thompson with his hands up as clearly seen in the video was calmly and in no threatening manner communicating with Charles Hewitt. 

Derrick Thompson was not resisting in any manner.  Hewitt address Mr. Thompson's recording phone with remarks such as "You are going to get your ass whooped in front of f***** Lord and all creation. I am going to give you one more chance. You bring that with you, I’ll let you film the whole thing.” This is a man who knows and abuses his power of a badge, against a black man. Meanwhile, Thompson is not resisting and is shown to be no threat to the troopers. Hewitt later opens Derrick Thompson's door and continues to threaten him and his life. 

Before ripping Derrick out of his vehicle he knowingly points to his phone and says "Enjoy the show, folks." He proceeds to forcefully take Mr. Thompson out of his car by way of a headlock and throws him to the ground. At this point Mr. Thompson's phone was dropped to the floor of his car but you can hear his screams. Screams and pleas for begging Charles Hewitt to stop. "Please get off my neck." Derrick Thompson said among his other cries. Charles Hewitt can also be heard saying “How do you like that motherf*****?” Derrick Thompson suffered injuries due to this heinous mauling by Charles Hewitt. His car was searched, without his consent, with no drugs found. 

This cannot be tolerated any longer, an innocent black man can't even go to work without being harassed by people who think they're badge makes them a god. It has been over a year and no justice has found Derrick Thompson. I ask that you read this and have it fill you with anger and confusion. I ask that you use those emotions to prompt you to sign this and share this, so more light can be shared on this tragic incident. We must get cops who abuse their power like Charles Hewitt off the street. We must also get cops that see nothing wrong with Hewitt's actions like the other troopers seen in the video off the street. They must be fired and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This has been delayed for far too long.

I also ask that you keep advocating for change against injustices in the black community such as Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain. Thank you.