Hobgood Video Surfaces As Capitol Hill Calls For Investigation

It all started with the arrest of children 8 to 10 years old by Murfreesboro Police at Hobgood Elementary. Since then, MPD, Murfreesboro City Schools, and parents have been embroiled in a battle over who is right and wrong in a case where 2 young boys , reported age 5 and 6 , were beating on a reportedly 10 year old boy who kept trying to walk away. The video , altered to protect the juveniles, has been verified by news sources as legitimate by parents of children involved. It should be noted that the kids that watched and egged on the 5 and 6 year olds were arrested. The 5 and 6 year old were not according to media sources.

A statement from Murfreesboro City Schools was sent to us and reads as follows:

The arrests that occurred at Hobgood Elementary last week were not a result of any behavior that occurred on school property.  The school was merely the location of the arrests.
The authority of the school is superseded when law enforcement or the Department of Children Services become involved.

Meanwhile a statement put out by the City of Murfreesboro and new Chief of Police Karl Durr says an internal investigation is going to happen. According to the statement from MPD:

“MPD will conduct an internal After-Action Review. “The Department is committed to assuring that its officers consistently use good judgment and act in accordance with policy. If we need to make changes or address issues internally we will identify any issue and act accordingly,” Chief Karl Durr stated. This review will assure the Department identifies law enforcement best practices, assists with their implementation, and augments enhanced policies and training where necessary. A cross section of MPD personnel will be assigned to review these internal procedures and draft recommendations.

“It is important that the Department be transparent about the Police Department’s analysis of its policies and procedures by engaging and involving the community,” Chief Durr added. Therefore, the Chief will meet with a coalition of Murfreesboro pastors to review the draft After-Action Review recommendations to gain their input and advice. The forming of this pastoral coalition can also provide an opportunity for regular communication with the Police Department. The MPD will also continue to work with residents, community leaders, and the Rutherford County Juvenile Court to ensure the highest standard of law enforcement practices.

Chief Durr said, “Situations involving juvenile offenders and victims are some of the most difficult and sensitive situations that officers must handle. Our police officers are committed to serving the community, preventing crime, and helping the victims of crime. We will reinforce the practices that have worked well and correct any deficiencies or problems that become known.”

According to WSMV,  a press conference will be held this morning on Capitol Hill led by the Tennessee Black Caucus and other state representatives  addressing the arrests at the Capitol on Thursday morning.

Rep. Mike Stewart, D-Nashville, issued the following statement concerning the arrests:

Today I call on United States Department of Justice to immediately open an investigation into the reported arrest and handcuffing of children as young as six by the Murfreesboro, Tennessee police. There is no explanation for such inexcusable conduct perpetrated against young children who were peacefully attending elementary school when accosted, handcuffed and jailed. We need a full investigation into this unconscionable incident to safeguard the children’s federal and state civil rights and to determine whether those involved should be prosecuted for criminal misconduct. This is every parent’s nightmare and we need to make sure that it is never repeated.

Williamson Source will continue to follow this story as it develops.