BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: An incident unfolded on a football field in Alabama where Johnny Mims, the band director at Minor High School, faced a tasing by the police after refusing to halt his band's performance for the crowd, as reported by authorities.
Mims now faces charges of disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest due to his insistence on encouraging his teenage band members to continue playing long after the football game had concluded, according to official records.
Statement from Jefferson County Schools Superintendent regarding recent incident
On Friday, September 16 afternoon, a statement was issued by Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools.
"We are aware of the incident that occurred after the Minor and Jackson-Olin football game. I am in the process of gathering all the facts and feel it would be inappropriate to comment further until that process is complete. I urge everyone not to jump to conclusions."
The situation arose when police sought to clear the Jackson-Olin High School stadium after Minor High School's resounding 27-0 victory over the Mustangs.
Despite the home team's cooperation in ceasing their performance when requested by the police, Mims purportedly directed his students to persist with their music.
Law enforcement repeatedly urged Mims to cease the music to facilitate the departure of students and ticketholders from the stadium.
Regrettably, these requests went unheeded, leading to a decision to place him in custody, as stated by the Birmingham Police Department.
An altercation then ensued between Mims and the arresting officers, during which he allegedly resisted arrest, refused to place his hands behind his back, and even pushed one of the officers.
In response to the physical confrontation, the arresting officer deployed a Taser, ultimately ending the struggle.
“During the officers’ interaction with Minor’s band director, the decision was made to place him in custody,” the department said
“The arresting officer then subdued the band director with a Taser which ended the physical confrontation,” police said in a statement.
Following the incident, Mims received medical treatment at a hospital, as per protocol, before being released and transported to a Birmingham jail. He has since been released on bond.
