Information From City Council Work Session

This is a report from an observer at the City Council Work Session held last week.

About 50 plus people from the predominately black community attended the workshop to express concerns over the recent situation involving Dr. Terry Wynn and Pulaski Police Officer Chad Estes.

Dr. Wynn was stopped by Pulaski Police Officer Estes at approximately 9:30PM on Wednesday 5 May 2010 for speeding. During that stop Dr Wynn drove away and

was followed by Officer Estes to the Hillside Emergency area parking lot where Dr. Wynn was arrested by Officer Estes. The details as to what actually happened at the initial stop and at the hospital are unclear as Dr. Wynn and Officer Estes have given conflicting accounts of their actions. It was out of a growing concern about proper procedures, behaviors and motivations that led to so many attending the work session.

Not in attendance at the meeting were Mayor Spear and City Attorney Hoover.

The group in attendance was very calm, respectful, and concerned. Unlike some rumors now circulating, there was absolutely no threats or violence. They “respectfully and firmly requested” answers about the arrest and treatment of Dr. Wynn. Mrs. Vivian Simms, Mr. Max Trotter and a Mrs. Peterson (I think was her name) from the NAACP was there as well as a couple of Ministers that I didn't know. They were obviously disappointed about this situation and wanted some answers. They asked about diversity training, procedures, and past history with this officer.

Mrs. Harwell, a City Alderman, invited anyone that had something to say, to stand and say it, giving an open forum to discuss their thoughts and raise their questions. This lasted till approximately 6:30PM. After everyone had spoken who wished to they engaged in a prayer in which they asked that justice, answers and healing would be granted... they also prayed for Chief Dickey as well as the officer in question and departed without any negative incident.

Presently there is an ongoing investigation. An attorney from Jackson, named Brandon Gibson, is leading the investigation into this incident. Officer Estes is on Administrative Leave with pay which is the standard procedure for such a situation.