West Des Moines Police Yet Again Profile Black Campaign Worker [TRANSCRIPT] (Special Thanks To Bleeding Heartland)

Nov 14, 2018

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I was on the fence about this until I read the transcript. From a legal point of view, I think this case has merit. The “suspect” repeatedly asked to be left alone if not being detained. It seems like this emotionally insecure officer wanted his ass kissed for bothering people as if he was providing a “service” and not harassing this man for no real reason other than maybe boredom?

There was zero reason to escalate after the man was identified as a campaign worker, obviously provided no danger to anyone, and was on the phone working and in a sober state of mind.

Here’s the transcript courtesy of the Bleeding Heartland.

West Des Moines Officer Clint Ray: You’re a suspicious person.

Political canvasser Keilon Hill: Suspicious how? What am I doing that’s–

Ray: A neighbor called over here, so I don’t understand why you’re being difficult about this.

Hill: I’m not being difficult about anything, because I haven’t done anything out of the way. So with that being said, I’ll go about my business, sir.

Ray: I’m not done with you yet. You’re not free to go.

Hill: Have I done any–have I broken any laws?

Ray, on phone: Can you send me one this way please?

Hill: Have I broken any laws, sir?

Ray: I’m talking to you, I’m not done. I’m investigating a suspicious person.

Hill: You have a nice day, sir. If I’m not under arrest–

Ray: Stop, now.

Hill: For what?

Ray: I can detain you. Stop.

Hill: For what?

Ray: Because you’re not listening. I’m investigating a suspicious person. Stop now.

Hill: Sir, sir, have I broken any laws?

Ray: Stop.

Hill: Tell me what laws I have broken, sir.

Ray: I told you to stop.

Hill: I don’t have to stop.

Ray: Yes.

Hill: You know I don’t. Either arrest me, tell me what laws I’ve broken, or get away from me.

Ray talks to someone else.

Hill: (laughs) Sir, I said, look, look: I know my rights. And with that being said, if I’m not breaking any laws, you have no reason to detain me. So I’m going to ask you one more time to move–

Ray: Stop.

Hill: For what? What have–

Ray: Because I’m talking to you, and you’re–

Hill: What have I done that’s wrong?

Ray: I just told you, I’m investigating who you are.

Hill: Sir, sir you’re harassing me. […]

Ray talks to colleague.

Ray: Stop, I’m telling you to stop, and I’m not going to tell you again.

Hill: And what will you do if I don’t stop?

Ray: I will detain you.

Hill: Detain me for what?

Ray: You’re not listening. I’m doing an investigation of a suspicious person.

Hill: Suspicious person–have I broken any laws?

Ray: It doesn’t–that’s not the point.

Hill: Have I broken any laws?

Ray: Someone called you in as a suspicious person.

Hill: OK, and? […]

Hill: Now get away from me. I haven’t done anything out of the way. You can’t arrest me. Arrest me right now if you want to.

Ray: Here, turn around.

Hill: For, for, for what?

Ray: Stop, turn around.

Hill: What have I done wrong?

Ray: Because you’re not listening to me.

Hill: What have I done wrong, sir?

Ray: Get the phone out of my face. Because I’m investigating a suspicious person.

Hill: Sir, sir, what have I done wrong? I’m not suspicious. I haven’t done anything. I’m walking up the street. I haven’t done anything wrong. I don’t have any–

Ray: Neighbors have called on you. […]

The third video depicts further back and forth and the arrest. Hill repeatedly asked why he was being detained. “You wouldn’t follow my directions,” Ray said. “I told you to stop numerous times”; “You’re a suspicious person.” Hill insisted that he had not entered anyone’s property. The officer said police had received “two calls on you about entering people’s areas,” and “They were concerned.” A second officer backed up Ray: “Did you stop when he told you to? That’s interference”; “He told you to stop”; “You didn’t identify yourself.” “We had calls on you.”

The fourth video released today shows an Urbandale police officer following Hill as he was doing his job on October 30.

Hill told Iowa CCI,

Within 5 days of my stay in Des Moines, I had two police encounters, with one ending in an arrest. These encounters happened while I was out working in affluential, Caucasian neighborhoods. I had work materials with me. I stood up for myself because I had the right to. The laws of every state and how to handle police interactions have been embedded in my mind because you have to be ready for these things at any moment as an African American person. I hope that my story prevents another minority from going through a similar situation.

CCI added that the criminal charge against Hill “could impact his entire future and potential career,” as he is applying to law school.

READ MORE: Black man profiled, arrested while knocking doors for David Young