WATCH: Alabama High School Band Director Stunned AND Arrested During Football Game Altercation

Written By BlabberBuzz | Tuesday, 19 September 2023 08:35
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WATCH: Alabama High School Band Director Stunned AND Arrested During Football Game Altercation

A high school band director in Alabama was arrested and stunned by police officers last week, causing shock and bewilderment among spectators and students at a football game.

The incident occurred as Birmingham law enforcement officers were attempting to empty the football stadium at Jackson-Olin High School after a 27-0 defeat to Minor High School, according to Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald, the department's spokesperson.

Fitzgerald informed The Associated Press that officers had ordered both bands to cease playing to discourage people from lingering in the stadium. The Jackson-Olin band complied, but Johnny Mims, the band director from Minor High School, defied the order and instructed his students to continue playing, leading to a physical altercation.

The Birmingham Police Department issued a statement saying, "During the officers' interaction with Minor's band director, the decision was made to place him in custody. BPD officers attempted to take the band director into custody for Disorderly Conduct when a physical altercation ensued between the band director, Birmingham City Schools System Security personnel, and BPD officers."

Fitzgerald further explained that Mims resisted arrest by refusing to put his hands behind his back and pushing an officer. Consequently, another officer used a stun gun on the band director. A witness at the scene, as reported by FOX6, stated that the stadium lights were turned off as officers approached Mims and that mace was sprayed, although not directly at any students.

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Following the incident, paramedics treated Mims on-site before transporting him to a hospital for further evaluation. He was later charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest, and was released after posting bail.

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The arrest sparked controversy on social media, with some users deeming the police response as excessively forceful. Jefferson County School Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin refrained from commenting on the incident, advising The Associated Press, "I urge everyone not to jump to conclusions."

The Birmingham Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is currently investigating the incident, as is standard procedure when an officer uses force during an arrest. Jackson-Olin High School is situated at 1300 Avenue F., in Birmingham, while Minor High School is located in the nearby town of Adamsville.