BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A high school football game in Birmingham, Alabama took an unexpected turn when the band director for one of the schools was arrested for refusing to stop his band’s performance. Johnny Mims, the band director at Minor High School, was taken into custody after a physical altercation with police officers and school security personnel at Jackson-Olin High School on Thursday night.
According to Birmingham police, officers were clearing out the stadium after the game when they noticed that both school bands were still playing music. They requested that the bands stop performing to ensure a smooth exit for students and other ticketholders. While the band at Jackson-Olin complied, Mims and his band at Minor High School continued to play.
During the interaction between Mims and the officers, a decision was made to place him under arrest for disorderly conduct. However, Mims allegedly resisted arrest and a scuffle ensued, involving both Mims and the officers. In an attempt to subdue Mims, one of the officers used a Taser. Paramedics treated Mims at the scene before taking him to the hospital for evaluation. He was later released on bond.
Mims now faces charges of disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest. The incident has sparked controversy on social media, with some users criticizing the use of force by the officers. Jefferson County School Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin has refrained from commenting on the incident until all the facts are known.
The Birmingham Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is currently investigating the incident, as is standard procedure when force is used during an arrest. Jackson-Olin High School and Minor High School are both located in the Birmingham area.
The arrest of a high school band director at a football game has raised questions about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement officers. The incident occurred when Birmingham police officers attempted to clear the stadium after the game, but the band director at Minor High School refused to comply with their request to stop the performance. A physical altercation ensued, resulting in the band director’s arrest and subsequent charges of disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest. The incident has sparked controversy on social media, with some users criticizing the officers’ actions. The Birmingham Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is investigating the incident.