We live in a world where George Perry Floyd Jr. was killed during an arrest over trying to spend what an employee thought was a counterfeit $20 bill in Minneapolis. This situation could have easily become deadly like that one. Speedway should be held accountable for their actions in contributing to a racist and potentially deadly cycle. The Martins say they have reason to suspect there also may be a scam operation taking place at that location and want the manager fired. Until then, protests lead by activist and close family friend Charley H. Fisher will continue.

On July 9, Eric Martin Jr went to the Speedway at 535 Kenmore Ave, Tonawanda, NY 14223. That day he purchased gas and two scratch off tickets before going home. The next day he realized he had two $50 winners so he returned to the store with his wife and children.

He was paid $50 for one ticket and told the second ticket didn’t register, the manager asked where he got it from and eventually called the police. Seven police officers showed up, 3 of them detectives. “Four police officers and three detectives show up on a call for a Black man with a scratch off!?!” In the words of Martin.

Ultimately Martin is handcuffed, slammed down by 4 officers, they get on top of him, put an elbow on his neck, and try to cover his mouth. The encounter recorded on police body cam has yet to be released to the public. They charged him with resisting arrest and possession of stolen property. The horrors continued at the Tonawanda Police Headquarters where he was strip searched in front of a female police officer. This all happened to a man who had never been in trouble with the law a day in his life prior to this accusation.

The police would later call Martin's father, Eric Sr. and acknowledge that they made a mistake and wanted to drop all the charges against his son. Speedway has yet to admit any guilt or fault.