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A disturbing incident occurred on July 15, 2025, at a Circle K gas station located on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, South Carolina. A 15-year-old Black teenager, known for selling Palmetto roses, a traditional Lowcountry craft, was tackled and restrained by police officers after accidentally puncturing a $5 pack of bottled water. The situation quickly escalated and was partially captured in a viral video, reigniting debates over racial profiling, excessive use of force, and longstanding issues within the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD).
What Happened at Circle K?
The incident began when the teenager, who was outside the store selling handmade roses, entered Circle K briefly. While leaning on a stack of bottled water near the entrance, he accidentally punctured one of the cases with the roses he was carrying. The store manager accused him of vandalism and called the police.
Police arrived at the scene around 1:15 p.m. and what started as a minor retail issue soon escalated. According to video footage shared online, the teen was pinned face-down near the chip aisle by several officers. Cpl. Casey Ray Pace, one of the officers involved, forcefully held the teen to the ground while the teenager repeatedly shouted, “I’m not doing nothing wrong,” and “I am scared for my life.” Despite the teenager’s pleas, the officer did not release him.
Escalation from Minor Incident to Major Response
Although the store manager ultimately chose not to press charges, the officers proceeded with a full response. Cpl. Pace claimed the teen refused to comply, used profanity, and resisted arrest, prompting the need for additional officers and a K-9 unit. The situation became more intense, with the teen handcuffed and leg restraints applied after he allegedly kicked at the patrol car’s windows. A mental health counselor on site helped calm the situation, and after receiving permission from his mother, the teen was released without charges.
The entire event lasted about 45 minutes, leaving witnesses shaken and sparking intense reactions from those who saw the video online.
The Viral Video and Public Reaction
The video of the arrest, posted by a bystander on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, quickly went viral. One of the posts, shared by user @kevinblue345, was captioned: “All this for accidentally poking a hole in a pack of water…” This post alone garnered over 57,000 views and over 750 combined engagements.
The public’s response was swift and emotional, with many people expressing their outrage. Some comments included:
“This is racial profiling. Full stop.”
“Y’all treat Black kids like criminals for trying to make a few bucks. He was selling roses.”
“I hope his family sues. That cop was dead wrong.”
Many from the North Charleston community amplified the story, demanding accountability from the NCPD, and the video continued to trend on social media.
Police Response and Officer Suspension
On the morning of July 16, 2025, the North Charleston Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the incident. The department confirmed that Cpl. Casey Ray Pace had been placed on administrative leave pending a full internal investigation. The statement read, “The North Charleston Police Department takes this matter very seriously… We are committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the public’s trust.”
However, the department has yet to provide further details, and the officer’s suspension remains under review.
Historical Context: Policing, Race, and Youth in North Charleston
This incident is part of a troubling pattern in North Charleston, where racial disparities in law enforcement have been well-documented. In 2015, the fatal shooting of Walter Scott, an unarmed Black man, by officer Michael Slager gained national attention. Audits have since revealed significant racial bias in practices such as use-of-force incidents, traffic stops, and arrests.
A 2021 audit showed that Black residents in North Charleston were nearly three times as likely to be stopped by police compared to white residents. Although reform efforts have been promised over the years, the gap between policy and practice remains unresolved.
“Shopping While Black” and Retail Racism
This event also highlights a broader societal issue often referred to as “Shopping While Black.” A 2017 study by the Journal of Consumer Culture found that Black shoppers often alter their behavior to avoid being perceived as suspicious. This can include dressing conservatively or avoiding browsing in stores. In the case of the Circle K incident, the decision by the store manager to involve the police over a minor issue involving a $5 product illustrates how Black individuals—especially youth—are often criminalized for simple, everyday actions.
Where It Stands Now
As of now, Cpl. Pace remains under internal review, and the North Charleston Police Department continues to investigate the matter. There has been no official word from Circle K’s corporate leadership or local management. The teenager’s identity has been protected, and no formal legal action has been taken against the officers involved. However, community activists have expressed interest in supporting the family should they pursue civil litigation.
