SCLC march calls attention to police shooting in Bradenton

A civil rights group marched in downtown Bradenton on Saturday to protest the death of a 38-year-old man who died after police used a stun gun. The group also wants to raise awareness of the Bradenton Police Department's "quality of life" policies.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) planned the march, which went from the Manatee County Judicial Center on Manatee Avenue West to the Bradenton City Police Department, 100 10th Street W.

Derrick Humbert died on Sept. 28 after police stopped him for riding a bicycle without a light. A police spokesman said Humbert got off the bike and ran through the yards of several houses, and an officer used his Taser to end the chase. Humbert, who had epilepsy, died a short time later at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Police later learned Humbert had an outstanding warrant for marijuana possession.

The chairman of the SCLC Florida chapter, Arthur Rocker, met with Police Chief Michael Radzilowski on Friday afternoon to discuss Humbert's death. "The chief of police says it's 'quality of life.' He stops people for small crimes so they don't commit bigger crimes, such as riding a bicycle without lights or walking on the wrong side of the road," Rocker said when reached by telephone this morning.

"We talked with him yesterday and asked, 'If a person in one of these communities was wearing a suit, would he be stopped for riding a bicycle or walking?' We believe these things are happening in low income communities and the reason that people walk and ride bicycles is because they have no other way to get around," Rocker said.

More than 60 people took part in today's march. "We all feel that it was an unfortunate situation but it gives us the opportunity to make some changes," Rocker said.

Rocker would like the Bradenton Police Department to start sensitivity training for its officers. "We must respect people's cultures and allow them the opportunity to understand them more," Rocker said.

The department of Justice is investigating Humbert's death. Rocker said there is no timetable set. "We're not in a hurry. We just want a quality and thorough investigation."