Mobile Police Taser Arrest Follows Foot Chase in Maysville Neighborhood

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile police officers used a Taser on a man Thursday afternoon after he ran from them in the Maysville neighborhood, ending a short foot chase that neighbors watched and recorded on their phones. The Mobile police Taser arrest happened around 3:15 p.m. on Wisconsin Street off Virginia Street.

Mobile police described the situation as a “minor incident.” As of Thursday, police had not publicly identified the man or said what led officers to pursue him or whether he faces charges.

What neighbors saw

Witnesses said about five Mobile police officers jumped into their patrol cars near the Police Academy and drove a few blocks to where the chase ended. Around 10 officers were at the scene in all.

Neighbors said the man ran into the backyard of a house, where officers used a Taser on him. It took a handful of officers to get him into handcuffs in the middle of Wisconsin Street.

The man could be heard screaming during the arrest, and he repeatedly yelled, “I ain’t got no warrants, man!”

Residents stood outside and watched as officers placed the man in a patrol car. Several people recorded the arrest, and the scene was described by onlookers as chaotic.

What police have said

Mobile police called the situation a “minor incident” and had not released further details as of Thursday, including the reason officers approached the man in the first place, whether anyone was hurt, and whether the man was taken to jail, a hospital or both.

Being taken into custody is not the same as being charged with a crime. If the man is charged, the charges would be accusations, and he would be presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. South AL News will update this story if police release more information.

What typically happens after an arrest

In Mobile County, people arrested by Mobile police are generally booked into the Mobile County Metro Jail. Under Alabama’s rules of criminal procedure, a person arrested is to be taken before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay for an initial appearance, where the charges are explained and bond conditions are addressed. Arrest records and any charges usually become available through the jail and court systems after booking.

The department has been working to rebuild its ranks. Mobile police reported earlier this month that the latest Police Academy graduating class brought the department to 503 officers, close to full staffing.

About Tasers and police use of force

A Taser is a brand of conducted electrical weapon, a device that delivers an electrical current meant to cause temporary loss of muscle control so officers can take someone into custody. Police departments generally classify these devices as less-lethal tools, meaning they are designed to subdue a person with a lower risk of death than a firearm. They are not risk-free, however, and departments typically set rules on when officers may use them, such as when a person is actively resisting or poses a threat.

Running from police can itself carry legal consequences in Alabama. Depending on the circumstances, fleeing from officers who are lawfully trying to stop or arrest someone can lead to charges such as resisting arrest or attempting to elude a police officer.

Use of force by Mobile police has drawn public attention in recent years. In 2023, then-Mayor Sandy Stimpson called for a review of the department’s use-of-force policies and procedures after a series of deadly encounters involving officers that year.

Recording police in public

Thursday’s arrest was captured by several people watching from their yards and the street. In general, people in the United States may record police officers performing their duties in public places, as long as they do not interfere with officers, disobey lawful orders to move back, or put themselves or others in danger. Anyone who records an incident and believes the video may be relevant can share it with the department or an attorney.

About Maysville

Maysville is one of Mobile’s older residential neighborhoods. On Thursday afternoon, the arrival of roughly 10 officers on a single block drew neighbors outside, where they watched as the man was placed in a patrol car.

How to raise concerns

Residents who have questions or concerns about an interaction with Mobile police can contact the Mobile Police Department, which accepts citizen complaints and refers them for review by its Internal Affairs unit. Anyone with information about Thursday’s incident can also contact the department. In an emergency, call 911.