Stallworth’s lawsuit alleges that she experienced assault, strip-searching, and imprisonment as a result of her decision to contact 911 regarding a white neighbor.
Alabama woman, Twyla Stallworth, has recently filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Andalusia, Alabama, its police department, and Officer Grant Barton. The lawsuit alleges unlawful arrest, illegal detainment, and a racially motivated assault by Barton. This comes after Stallworth was captured on bodycam footage in February being arrested at her own home for refusing to show her ID. Stallworth seeks justice and accountability for the actions taken against her.
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According to a report by NPR, Mayor Earl Johnson of Andalusia issued an apology to Twyla Stallworth, a 40-year-old woman whose charges were dropped. In a statement, Johnson acknowledged that the arresting officer had made a mistake and had been disciplined for it in late February. He expressed his apologies on behalf of the City of Andalusia and the Andalusia Police Department, stating, “I would like to apologize to Twyla Stallworth for her arrest in February… the arresting officer has a clean record with our department, but he made a mistake in the case on February 23. He has been disciplined.”
NPR obtained Stallworth’s lawsuit, which alleges she called Andalusia police to report a noise complaint from her neighbor’s home, which led to an attack, a strip search, and a 15-hour detention. The neighbor is white, while Stallworth is black.
Stallworth’s son was present for the incident. Stallworth’s claim, filed on behalf of both herself and her son, 18-year-old Jermari Marshall, who recorded the altercation, demands unspecified monetary damages.
According to USA Today, the lawsuit states, “As a result of this incident, Ms. Stallworth suffered humiliation, embarrassment, physical injuries, and loss of freedom.” The complaint further states, “Both Ms. Stallworth and Jermari now suffer from mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.”
Stallworth also told the newspaper that Barton’s actions have left her traumatized. “I’m emotionally unstable at this point,” Stallworth admitted to USA Today. “I’ve been through a lot in my life, but something about this has really traumatized my mind.” “I can’t stop crying over it.”
Stallworth went on to say that he hopes the lawsuit will result in “changed behaviors, mindsets, perspectives, andย perceptions” about race. “Change the way that we see someone; they’re not the color of their skin, but their mind, body, soul, and spirit,” he remarked. “They are not their race; they are somebody. Equality and justice for anybody.”
Stallworth told NPR that she was concerned about what else Barton might do, saying, “If a police officer like Barton is willing to illegally force himself into your home, assault you and your son, and lock you up in a cage when you’re strip searched and degraded even though you haven’t broken any laws, then what wouldn’t he do?”
At an April 25 news conference announcing the case, Stallworth said that it was time for change. “Enough is enough for black people and their communities.”Stand up for your rights and always protect yourself. Have a camera and make sure it’s recording, because without evidence, you’ll lose every time.
“I see it on TV, I see the movies, and I never thought it’d be my own house,” Stallworth said, “and I’m grateful that I’m able to stand here and speak to you.” We may have both died, but I am grateful that my son can stand here.
