Black teens wrongly detained at Target in California

[left-of-center2012]

The Los Angeles County sheriff’s department has said three teens, who are Black, were wrongly detained at a Target store in Westlake Village during a grand theft investigation last week. The teens — a 17-year-old and two 16-year-olds — from Thousand Oaks were walking home Jan. 17 after attending church with friends when they decided to stop at Target to buy snacks, the Ventura County Star reported.

The teens said they were the victims of racial profiling by Target staff and county deputies. One of the boys told the Star that he and his friends were unaware there was a shoplifting incident while they were in the store, where the suspects smashed through the glass in the electronics section and stole smartphones.

“We were being followed in the store by an employee who told us, ‘Hey, I can’t have you guys loitering,’” he said. He explained the group decided to leave but found the exit barricaded with shopping carts. The teen said Target security staff did not let the teens leave despite other visitors exiting.

Three deputies then arrived and detained the teens at the front of the store, including handcuffing one and putting him in a police vehicle for up to 20 minutes before releasing him. Authorities later said they were identified as the suspects by the store's loss prevention officers.

Capt. Sal “Chuck” Becerra said in a statement on social media on Friday that the teens were released and an internal investigation found no evidence of excessive force. Target issued a statement saying the company has apologized to the teenagers, fired one of the security team members involved and will require the store’s employees to retake security and racial bias training.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-black-teens-wrongly-detained-target-california-75451554?cid=clicksource_4380645_8_heads_hero_live_headlines_hed

[panader0]

1. It seems like Target would have security cameras, especially in the electronics section.

But who needs real evidence when you already have the obvious culprits.

[Wellstone ruled]

9. Target has the very best in

surveillance technology. Including facial recognition.

[dawg day]

2. I have to say, I like to think of them getting some tuition money---

when they sue the Target and the sheriff.

[lapfog_1]

3. internal investigation found no evidence of excessive force

well, alrighty then...

[left-of-center2012]

4. What happened to the real 'bad guys'?

Did they get away while the these guys were 'targeted'?

[EndlessWire]

5. Wow

False imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, maybe A&B...boys are college bound now. Make it count!

[dansolo]

6. Did they let the real thiefs slip away?

[ret5hd]

7. Probably friends of "Target security staff".

[safeinOhio]

8. I worked in a large antique mall

a few years ago. The manager called me to front one day. Three twenty something AA guys had come in and she wanted me to follow them around the store. I said sure and I don’t think she liked the big smile I gave her.
Went straight up to and said hi and welcome to the store. I asked where they were from and the said Detroit. Cool, me too I said. It ended up like old home week. One guy collected Ferdinand the Bull stuff. I knew right where to find it. Every one had a great time except the manager. As they left the store they said good bye Safe, we’ll stop in and see you again sometime.

[Demovictory9]

13. thank you for treating them like humans

[safeinOhio]

14. That's how I roll.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

10. ACAB.

[malaise]

11. Hope they get their college funds from a good law suit

make the racists pay

[MagickMuffin]

12. Shop at Target where we TARGET minority shoppers so you feel safe

Make no mistake about it we want white America to feel safe when shopping at our stores. We know how to Target those people.