NC Mom Outraged After Lillington Cop Chokes 12-Year-Old

Lillington Cop CHOKES 12-year-old Kid While He Was in Handcuffs

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. – A North Carolina mother is demanding answers after a disturbing video shows a Lillington police officer, Andrew Kesick  choking her 12-year-old son after detaining her 17-year-old son, leaving both boys injured.

Deonnia Lyon, the mother of 17-year-old Zamauri Chance and 12-year-old Carter Chance, told The North Carolina Beat that the incident happened on New Year’s Day while her sons were playing basketball at their godparents’ home in Vandercroft Farms.

According to Lyon, the chaos began after a neighbor called 911.

“She called the police department and said that there was a kid in a red shirt carrying a gun at the basketball court,” Lyon said. “So when the police came, he told them, ‘Hey, look, I had the gun, but I don’t have a gun on me.'”

Lyon says when she arrived on the scene, officer Kesick gave her an explanation that immediately raised red flags.

She was told that while police were speaking to the person in the red long-sleeve shirt, her two sons and another child began fighting — and that one of the officers was allegedly choked while trying to break it up.

But Lyon says that story doesn’t line up with what’s captured on video.

“He then proceeds to say ‘well, I don’t really know, I just know an officer got choked and officers pretty much started defending themselves,’” Lyon said the officer told her.

UPDATE: Chief Frank Powers Responds

Lillington Police Chief Frank Powers confirmed Monday that the department is actively investigating the incident, including Officer Andrew Kesick, according to The Daily Record.

“We are working diligently as we investigate and will leave no leaf unturned until we know exactly what happened,” Powers told The Daily Record on Monday.

In a separate statement provided to The Daily Record on Saturday, Powers outlined his next steps in reviewing the incident.

“I plan to interview multiple witnesses and review video from several sources on Monday, before I make any determination about the incident,” Powers told the outlet.

When asked by The Daily Record whether he intended to request assistance from an outside law enforcement agency to review the matter, Powers said he did not believe that was necessary.

“At this time, I think we will be able to handle the investigation ourselves. I see no need for additional help,” Powers said.

VIDEO SHOWS CHAOTIC SCENE AT BASKETBALL COURT

Video provided to The North Carolina Beat shows a chaotic confrontation involving two Lillington police officers and three Black youths, including Zamauri and Carter.

The footage begins with Officer Andrew Kesick attempting to handcuff 17-year-old Zamauri, while on the ground.

Another officer can be seen on top of another child on the basketball court.

Moments later, the camera pans and shows Officer Kesick running toward and tackling 12-year-old Carter, who can be identified in the video by wearing one orange shoe and one green shoe.

While both Zamauri and Carter are already in handcuffs sitting on the ground,  Officer Kesick can be heard yelling before placing both hands around Carter’s neck, choking the 12-year-old.

Officer Kesick reportedly claimed that Carter “squared up” with him. However, the video appears to show Carter sitting on the ground with his hands behind his back before the officer used force.

“HE SAID MY SON DIDN’T LOOK 12”

Lyon says the situation escalated further when she questioned Officer Kesick about why he slammed her youngest son.

According to Lyon, the officer became upset and dismissed her concerns.

She says he told her her son didn’t look 12.

“That doesn’t matter,” Lyon said. “You got a call for a specific person but you target three Black children.”

Lyon shared photos with The North Carolina Beat showing the injuries her sons sustained during the incident.

She says Zamauri required five stitches to his earlobe after being handled by two officers before Officer Kesick placed him in handcuffs.

She also says Carter suffered bruising to his face and a dislocated shoulder.

This is a developing story.