Activists say Detroit leaders not responding to teen's ATV death in state police chase

Image 1 of 5

Activists are planning a march and want to call out Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

They are disappointed in what they believe is a lack of justice over a Detroit teen who died after crashing his ATV during a chase with Michigan State Police.

Black residents feel they have been ignored since the death of Damon Grimes, are calling on Duggan's office to do something about it.

"Detroit could easily become St. Louis," said Rev. David Alexander Bullock. "We don't want that, but if we don't believe there's an open line of communication, care and concern and that the mayor is our mayor, then what recourse do folks have than to act out to get answers.

Pressure is building for Mayor Mike Duggan to expedite the investigation into the actions of Michigan State Police trooper Mark Bessner, who allegedly stuck a Taser out his window while chasing the 15-year-old boy on an ATV.  It shocked him and killed him.

It's not clear if the ATV was also bumped by the trooper's car. Police say Grimes was driving recklessly.

MORE COVERAGE:
Family files $50M lawsuit against MSP trooper in deadly ATV crash
Patrols suspended in Detroit's 9th Precinct after teen's ATV death
Lawyer says trooper who used Taser on teen had to make 'split-second' decision

"This was open murder by the hands of a police officer, a state trooper," said Rev. W.J. Rideout.  "We want to hear our Detroit mayor, as well as those city council officials, to say we're not with this."

A protest is planned Monday evening at 6:30 outside the Manoogian Mansion. Mayor Mike Duggan's office is calling it a political play.

"I expect to say a lot of things between now and Election Day, and this is the kind of decisive rhetoric we've come to expect," said Alexis Wiley, city of Detroit chief of staff.

Wiley said the mayor has taken action by influencing changes in policy for how state police patrol in the city and temporarily suspending patrols in the area where Grimes was killed.

"The mayor took immediate action, he called the governor, he met with him, and within just days state police changed their policies – for the betterment of the city," Wiley said.

Still, community activists like Bullock and Rideout are asking for more including charges soon for Bessner.

"We've gone to the prosecutor’s office, we've gone to Chief Craig," Bullock said. "We've gone to the state police."

"We're peaceful men of God," Rideout said. "We want peace, but we're asking for help from these leaders."