The Confrontation Unfolds at a Local Strip Mall (Image Credits: Unsplash)
San Leandro – Newly released body camera video has ignited scrutiny over how San Leandro police officers handled a homeless man during a December 2024 encounter at a local strip mall.[1][2] The footage captures officers handcuffing 33-year-old Shaquille Coleman, engaging in a physical altercation that included pulling out his braids, and ultimately transporting him seven miles away to Oakland without filing charges.[3] This incident, uncovered by an internal affairs sergeant, raises questions about departmental policies on use of force and handling of unhoused individuals.
The Confrontation Unfolds at a Local Strip Mall
Safety ambassadors at a San Leandro strip mall first approached Coleman after he refused to leave the area near a natural foods store. A store clerk activated an alarm, fearing an impending fight, which prompted two officers to respond.[2] Officer Suzanne Mann questioned Coleman about his identity, issuing a lawful order that he did not fully comply with. He described himself vaguely as someone familiar with the area.
Mann asked if he intended to cooperate, and Coleman replied that it was no problem. Officers decided to handcuff him for a search, but they waited for a third officer to assist. The interaction quickly escalated as Coleman resisted efforts to place him in the patrol car.[1]
Force Used During the Physical Altercation
During the struggle, Officer Ismael Navarro grabbed Coleman’s braids to pull him into the vehicle, prompting Coleman to shout, “Why would you pull my hair?” Navarro displayed a taser, with the green dot visible on Coleman’s chest, leading to compliance.[3] Lieutenant Antwinette Turner arrived on scene as the situation intensified but observed without intervening directly. Officers noted Coleman’s prior conviction for receiving stolen property, though no new crime had occurred.
The bodycam, worn by Mann, recorded the entire hour-long event continuously. No formal arrest followed, and officers debated a psychiatric hold under Section 5150 but concluded insufficient evidence existed, as Coleman posed no clear danger to himself or others.[2] Mann remarked, “Well, shoot, actually, they’re saying he didn’t do anything?”
Officers’ Plan to Relocate Coleman
Faced with no viable charges, Mann proposed transporting Coleman “way north” to “dump” him. She specified avoiding a BART station to prevent his quick return, stating he would otherwise “just come back and be a problem.” Navarro agreed to follow her lead.[1]
The officers drove surface streets along Interstate 580 north, past the San Leandro city limits, the Oakland Zoo, and Mills College before exiting at MacArthur Boulevard. They stopped at a gas station in Oakland, where Navarro returned Coleman’s braids, and Mann removed the handcuffs. She instructed him, “You can grab your stuff and take off, man.”[3] Turner had approved the plan earlier, expressing a desire to simply remove Coleman from the area.
Internal Review Sparks Investigation
Sergeant Mike Olivera, reviewing old bodycam footage for internal affairs, discovered the video and filed a nine-page complaint with the city. He highlighted the lack of proper documentation for the use of force. A third-party investigation followed, determining that certain personnel violated department policies and required corrective action.[2]
- Officers used physical force without a formal arrest report.
- Supervisor Turner provided passive oversight and later departed for BART Police as deputy chief.
- Chief Angela Averiett launched the probe but declined interviews on the matter.
- Olivera alleges retaliation, including being shunned within the department.
Experts Question Tactics and Oversight
Rich Corriea, a former San Francisco Police commander and police practices expert, described the footage as deeply disturbing. He criticized the decisions as potential civil rights violations and faulted Turner’s role, saying supervisors must add value rather than observe passively.[3] Mike Rains, Olivera’s attorney, emphasized the need for thorough reporting after force: “You take him into custody. You tell them they’re under arrest, you write a report, you let the DA sort it out.”
The incident underscores ongoing debates in the Bay Area about police interactions with homeless individuals. While no criminal charges stemmed from the event, the released video has prompted calls for greater accountability.[4]
Key Takeaways
- Bodycam captured full sequence, from strip mall call to Oakland release.
- No charges filed despite use of force including hair-pulling and taser display.
- Internal probe confirmed policy breaches; whistleblower claims retaliation.
This case highlights tensions between law enforcement and the unhoused population in California, where such “dumping” practices have drawn criticism before. As investigations continue, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent policing. What are your thoughts on how officers should handle similar situations? Share in the comments below.