Band Director Arrested at Alabama High School Football Game
In a surprising turn of events during an Alabama high school football game, a high school band director found himself in handcuffs after encouraging his students to keep playing their instruments. The incident unfolded at Jackson-Olin High School following their team’s 27-0 loss to Minor High School.
Clearing the Field
Birmingham police officers were busy trying to clear the football stadium to disperse the crowd. According to Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald, officers had asked both bands to stop playing to speed things up. While the Jackson-Olin band followed the instructions, Minor’s band director, Johnny Mims, refused to hush his students, leading to a confrontation.
Arrest and Altercation
As tensions grew, it was decided to take Mims into custody, as stated by the Birmingham Police Department. A physical altercation ensued during the arrest, involving Birmingham City Schools System Security personnel and police officers.
Mims wasn’t keen on getting arrested; he resisted and even pushed an officer. In response, another officer used a stun gun to subdue him.
Lights Out
A witness mentioned that the stadium lights went off during the arrest, and officers used mace, although not on any students directly. Paramedics gave initial treatment on the spot before taking Mims to a hospital for further evaluation.
Charges and Release
After the incident, Mims faced charges of disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest. He was later released on bail following formal charges.
Social Media Buzz
The arrest stirred up quite a buzz on social media, with some users criticizing the police’s handling of the situation. Jefferson County School Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin chose not to comment on the incident, emphasizing the importance of waiting for all the facts to come out.
Investigation Underway
The Birmingham Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is now investigating the incident, following standard procedures when force is used during an arrest.
Location
Jackson-Olin High School can be found in Birmingham at 1300 Avenue F, while Minor High School is located nearby in Adamsville.