The Timeline: The Alteriq Pleasant Story Pt. 2

In July 2022, the death of Alteriq Pleasant while in police custody sparked outrage and a call for justice. The events leading up to his death are troubling, to say the least. On July 19th, Mr. Pleasant was verbally assaulted and threatened with a weapon by a civilian, prompting him to call the police for assistance. However, due to his past experiences with police harassment, Mr. Pleasant had been avoiding the area where the incident occurred.

Upon the arrival of the police, Mr. Pleasant was cooperative and compliant. Body-cam footage shows him in a pristine white outfit with unblemished arms/face, and he remained respectful throughout the encounter. However, the arresting officers, Willie Spears, Jr., and Eva Garcia, were the same officers who had been harassing and targeting him. Mr. Pleasant had been fighting a case against these officers for assault and battery, and he was winning.

Unfortunately, the encounter with the officers in July 2022 did not end well for Mr. Pleasant. He was taken into custody for failure to appear in court for his previous assault charge, and his belongings were seized. The officers were caught on camera taking his backpack, watch, jewelry, and other possessions, but these items have not been returned to his mother, Vickki Willis, to this day.

Mr. Pleasant's death in custody has raised many questions about police brutality and misconduct. It is possible that the counter case he had filed against the officers was a motivating factor in the physical assault he suffered while in custody, which ultimately led to his death. His mother, Vickki Willis, has been fighting for justice and the return of her son's belongings ever since.

The case of Alteriq Pleasant highlights the ongoing problem of police harassment and brutality towards Black individuals in the United States. It also underscores the need for accountability and justice when police officers abuse their power. The fight for justice for Mr. Pleasant is far from over, but his story has shone a light on the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions.