Video captures a shocking moment as bystanders cheer and jeer at the injured officer
A disturbing video from Beaumont, Texas, has surfaced, showing a police officer lying unconscious on the ground after being thrown from a speeding car while attempting to arrest a suspect. The footage, which has sparked outrage online, also shows a crowd of young onlookers laughing, cheering, and mocking the injured officer as he lies motionless on the pavement.
Pursuit turns violent
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 3, 2025, in the parking lot of Little Woodrow’s, a bar on Phelan Boulevard. Beaumont Police reported that officers responded to a disturbance at the location.
In the video, a woman can be seen fleeing on foot before entering a waiting convertible. A pursuing officer attempts to jump into the back seat of the car to apprehend her. However, the suspect accelerates, causing the officer to fall head-first onto the pavement.
As the officer lies unconscious, voices in the background can be heard jeering. “Yo, yo! Police! Step on my man!” one bystander exclaims as the car speeds away.
Suspect arrested, faces multiple charges
The suspected driver of the car, identified as 28-year-old Jamaysha Butler, was later apprehended and faces several charges, including Intoxication Assault and Evading Detention, both resulting in serious bodily injury to a peace officer.
A second individual, 22-year-old Melissa Bell, was also arrested at the scene. According to police, Bell resisted arrest, interfered with public duties, and assaulted another officer. She also had outstanding warrants.
In a statement on Facebook, Beaumont Police confirmed the details of the incident:
Beaumont Police wrote in a Facebook post, “On Friday, January 3, 2025, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Beaumont Police responded to a disturbance in the parking lot of Little Woodrow’s, located at 6210 Phelan Boulevard. Upon arrival, an officer attempted to detain the individual involved in the disturbance. During the confrontation, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, causing the officer to sustain a serious head injury.”
Both Butler and Bell have prior records, the department added.
The officer was treated for severe injuries
The injured officer, who remains unnamed, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for a injuries. As of now, he is reportedly in stable condition and recovering.
Public outrage over bystander behavior
The video has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with many expressing anger at the behavior of the bystanders. Calls for accountability and respect for law enforcement have flooded comment sections as people condemn the crowd’s apparent disregard for the officer’s life.
“This is beyond unacceptable. Laughing at a public servant who is seriously hurt while protecting the community? Disgusting,” one commenter wrote.
A growing concern over public attitudes toward law enforcement
This incident has reignited debates over societal attitudes toward law enforcement, with many expressing concern about the apparent desensitization to violence against officers.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to assist in identifying other individuals who may have been involved in the incident or who have information about the case.
This tragic episode not only highlights the dangers faced by police officers daily but also raises troubling questions about the lack of empathy displayed by some members of the public.