Bodycam Footage Reveals Wrongful Arrest and Release of a High School Senior

Police bodycam arresting teenager

High School Senior Wrongfully Arrested and Later Released, Revealed by Bodycam Footage

A senior from North Myrtle Beach High School in South Carolina has taken legal action against the city and three of its police officers, filing a federal civil rights lawsuit in response to her alleged wrongful arrest.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred on May 3, 2024 when 18-year-old La’Nisha Hemingway was pulled over by the police, asked to exit her vehicle, made to walk backward at gunpoint, and ultimately handcuffed. Police body camera footage captured the entire chain of events. As stated by the Bailey Law Firm, which is representing Hemingway, the officers realized they had stopped the wrong vehicle after they had already put Hemingway in cuffs.

Bodycam Footage Disclosed

The bodycam footage shows an officer acknowledging their mistake during the traffic stop, with an officer heard stating “That’s not it,” pointing a gun towards Hemingway’s vehicle. Interestingly, Hemingway was not asked for her driving license or vehicle registration at the time of the traffic stop. Furthermore, her name was not asked after being released and an arrest report was not filed until several days after the incident.

Family and Legal Team Demand Justice

A press conference was held on Tuesday morning at the North Myrtle Beach City Hall attended by Hemingway’s family and her attorney, Tyler Bailey. The attorney revealed that Hemingway’s father’s recent death due to gun violence added further distress to her wrongful arrest.

Dr. Aaron Cox, Hemingway’s uncle, shared his conflicting feelings towards the incident. Having more than 34 years of experience in law enforcement, including his role as a South Carolina trooper, Dr. Cox expressed relief at Hemingway’s safety but anger about the wrongful arrest.

Janet Hemingway, La’Nisha’s grandmother, shared that Hemingway has been significantly affected since the incident. The family demands justice against the department and the police officers involved.

An attempt to get a comment from the North Myrtle Beach Police Department (NMBPD) regarding the incident was made. A response has not yet been received.