Public commenters describe jail conditions and allege youth were racially profiled; council presses police chief for answers

Several residents used the council’s public‑comment period on June 2 to raise concerns about jail conditions and policing tactics that council members described as requiring follow‑up.

Tiarica Stullivan told the council about her experience in county custody, describing overcrowded cells, broken air conditioning and detainees without medication. "I witnessed treatment that I can only describe as cruel," she said, urging the council to consider the dignity of people in custody.

Shortly after, Jenna Guzman described an incident involving her son. She said officers followed him on foot, tackled and arrested him six blocks from a reported incident and that the boy was targeted because he was "wearing the color black." "He was racially profiled because he had on the color black," Guzman said, and she asked the council to review video she said exists.

Chief Beal responded to questions from aldermen: officers were responding to a shots‑fired call reported via ShotSpotter and 911 that included a description of several juveniles in dark clothing moving eastbound. The chief said officers did not locate a firearm on the arrested boy and that a resisting‑arrest charge was filed in connection with the foot pursuit and the need to document use of force. "We did not locate a firearm on this man. No," the chief said. He also explained that the department prepares a use‑of‑force report when force is used.

Council members pressed on whether a 14‑year‑old should be charged in such circumstances and whether the department had sought less escalatory responses. Alderman Gregory and others urged review of available video and asked police to consider alternatives to charges for juveniles when evidence later shows they were not involved. "We could have got him stopped and had a conversation with him," one council member said, arguing the escalation could have been avoided.

Alderwoman Notriano and others urged the department to use the incident as an opportunity to strengthen community outreach and clarify to residents what their options are when contacted by police. The chief said the department will continue engagement with community partners, including the NAACP, and acknowledged the need for conversations about trust and de‑escalation.

Council members asked staff to follow up with the chief, corporate counsel and the community; the chief offered to receive video evidence and to assist the mother with next steps, including filing an internal‑affairs complaint if she chose to do so. The council did not take formal action beyond public‑comment follow‑up during the meeting.