In a troubling incident in North Charleston, South Carolina, a 15-year-old Black boy was aggressively arrested by police officers while selling handmade palmetto roses outside a Circle K store. The entire incident, which was captured by a bystander and shared on social media, quickly went viral, leading to widespread outrage and a police officer being placed on administrative leave. The event sparked discussions about the treatment of Black youth, police conduct, and the selling of palmetto roses in the area.
The Incident and Arrest
The incident occurred on a Tuesday at the Circle K on Rivers Avenue and Otranto Road in North Charleston. A woman who recorded the video described the situation in detail on social media. She explained that the boy, part of a group known as the Palmetto Rose Boys, was selling handcrafted roses made from palmetto tree leaves. According to the store manager, the boy had accidentally damaged a case of water when he leaned on it, puncturing the container. The manager then called the police, accusing the boy of damaging the merchandise and refusing to pay for it.
Despite the woman recording the video offering to pay for the damages, the situation quickly escalated. The police officers arrived and attempted to arrest the boy inside the store. The video begins with the officer on top of the teenager trying to handcuff him, showing the boy shouting, “Get off of me!” and “I’m not doing nothing wrong!” Several other officers arrived at the scene, piling on top of the boy as they restrained him. The boy’s screams and pleas for help were captured in the video, causing frustration among the bystanders, who repeatedly pointed out that he was a minor.
Witnesses Speak Out
The woman who recorded the video shared her emotional account of the events. She described how the police had tackled the boy to the ground despite him trying to leave the store without paying for the alleged damages. She offered to settle the situation and asked the officers to contact the boy’s parents, but her requests were ignored. Witnesses also reported that the officers were aggressive and even used a police dog, which appeared ready to attack the boy.
The woman stressed that the boy was not behaving aggressively, did not have any weapons, and was simply selling roses. She highlighted the police’s rude behavior, especially when a Black officer dismissed the fact that the boy was a minor. The woman later updated her video, explaining that the boy was taken to a nearby Honda dealership but was released without being taken to jail. The store manager later retracted her original accusations against the boy.
Palmetto Rose Boys and Controversy
The boy involved in the incident is believed to be a member of the “Palmetto Rose Boys,” a group of Black youths who have been selling handcrafted palmetto roses in South Carolina for years. These roses, made from the state tree, the palmetto, are sold by young people in various cities, especially in Charleston and North Charleston. Although many see the activity as a way for young people to earn money, the “Palmetto Rose Boys” have been involved in past controversies, including complaints of harassment and past violent arrests.
In fact, similar incidents have occurred before, such as a violent arrest of a 13-year-old in Summerville, South Carolina, and the arrest of a 16-year-old in 2018 for selling roses without a permit. Despite these incidents, some people continue to support the boys, seeing them as part of a local tradition and an entrepreneurial effort to teach young people life skills.
Police Response and Investigation
Following the viral video, North Charleston police issued a statement confirming that an internal review had been launched into the incident. The officer involved was placed on administrative leave, and the department promised transparency and accountability throughout the investigation. However, the name of the officer has not been disclosed. The incident has sparked conversations about the treatment of Black youths and the need for better police training and accountability.
The arrest of a 15-year-old boy for selling handmade palmetto roses has raised serious concerns about police conduct, especially when it comes to Black minors. While some argue that the situation was blown out of proportion, others see it as part of a larger pattern of aggressive behavior toward Black youths. As the investigation continues, the community is calling for greater transparency, accountability, and reform in the way law enforcement interacts with young Black people.
