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Jabril Faraj is a freelance reporter who has written several pieces for Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
As you may or may not know, I have been traveling Milwaukee’s neighborhoods for about seven months meeting people and sharing their personal stories via milwaukeestories.org. Over that time, I have also reported on a select number of news events including coverage of a dispute over student government and free speech at UWM, an event and subsequent march supporting Dontre Hamilton and his family, a press conference opposing the proposed I-94 expansion and the recent announcement that the officer who shot Mr. Hamilton would not be charged.
It has been my goal to talk and listen to those who aren’t asked what they think and to cover events in this city that our traditional media simply is not covering. So, when I received a call from my father on Friday, December 26th, around 5:20 p.m. telling me that there had been marching protesters near 27th and Burleigh about an hour before — and that no media was present — I felt a responsibility to be there the next time. Unfortunately, that situation — something newsworthy occurring in the central city but not being covered — is all too familiar, here. The fact is that media serve to keep both protesters and police honest.
When I saw a posting on Facebook saying there would be a meeting there Saturday, December 27th, at 3 p.m. I dropped what I was doing, grabbed my camera and recorder and got in my car. I arrived at the corner of 27th and Burleigh around 3:15 and greeted three other people standing there — one black male, one black girl and one white male, who identified himself as Christopher. I simply waited in the cold — wearing a blue jacket and bright orange winter hat — unaware of what, if anything, was happening. While waiting, the girl said there would be no marching, today. To that, Christopher mentioned that he had come from the west and observed about ten police squad cars and a bus. This, to me, indicated an effort on the part of police to arrest a large number of protesters, should any activity occur.
A couple minutes later, another black man, who identified himself as Corey, got out of a car, came up to us and said nothing would be happening, as well. Immediately after, he and two other people who had also parked left in their cars, leaving the four of us still on the corner. We, then, decided to go our separate ways but, before doing so, I handed a card to all three and asked them to keep me in the know, should anything else occur in the future.
Around 3:25, I headed back to my car, which had been parked on 26th Street just north of Burleigh. I placed my camera and recorder in the back seat, started the car and began to drive north on 26th Street toward Auer Avenue. I had it in my mind to appraise the situation at 35th and Burleigh — where we’d been told police had assembled — but, as I reached the corner of 26th and Auer, I noticed an unmarked squad car sitting on the east side of 26th Street right before the intersection. I passed that car and turned left on Auer. As I turned, I immediately spotted a marked squad car sitting on the south side of Auer about 20 to 30 feet west of 27th Street. I was skeptical about the amount of police activity in the area, especially considering what I had just heard. I approached 27th, looked left, right and crossed. As I approached their car, I was going to simply continue on but decided, instead, to inquire about why they were there. I had driven about 5 feet past the officer’s driver’s side window when I stopped my car and reversed until our windows were aligned.
We were facing opposite ways on the street so I was not directly next to the car; to my recollection, I maintained both hands on the steering wheel. I rolled down my window, as did the officer, who would later be identified as Branko Stoj. I, then, proceeded to say: “Hey, why are you guys over here?” He ordered me to move along, disregarding the inquiry. When I did not comply in the split second after his order — I started to say, “I was just wondering,” and attempted to move but was still in reverse — Officer Stoj quickly exited the vehicle, as I was trying to shift into drive, and opened my driver’s side door. He, then, commanded me to put the car into park, which I did. Officer Stoj, then, immediately pulled me from the vehicle and handcuffed me. I was quickly searched — they found no weapons or any other illegal contraband or substances on my body or in the car.
At this point, I was honestly surprised and told the officers I wasn’t aware that I could be handcuffed for asking questions. As this was happening, Officer Stoj transferred me, still cuffed to his partner, Officer Joseph Anderer, and began searching my vehicle, to which I said they were conducting an unlawful search. Within about 45 seconds of me being pulled from the car, at least four other police vehicles were present on the block (two marked squad cars – one blocking Auer at 28th and one on the corner of 27th and Auer – the unmarked car I had noticed on 26th and Auer and an SUV – maybe a suburban). I told another officer why I had been taken out of the car, to which he simply said, “Okay,” and kept walking. I, then, asked why I was being arrested and Officer Anderer, who was holding me by my arm, responded, “You’re a domestic terrorist.” In the initial aftermath, I clearly recall being accused of “stalking police” — a charge which would be repeated multiple times — and was asked if I was trying to kill a police officer. I also heard an officer ask, “Is he one of the three we’re looking for,” to which another voice replied, “Yes.” Also, in the course of this interaction, an officer, possibly Anderer, said, “We’re gonna fuck with you and your friends a bit.”
Less than 5 minutes, or so, after I had been pulled from my vehicle and handcuffed, I was in the back of another squad car on my way to the District 7 Police Station. My car was impounded, despite pleas that I couldn’t afford to get it out.
Upon reaching the station, I remained handcuffed and was instructed to wait on a bench in the parking area, across from a desk and computer. Officers Stoj and Anderer arrived and continued to assert that I had “stalked police” and was conspiring to kill an officer. They questioned me about the belongings they had taken from my vehicle — my camera, recorder and a walkie talkie — and the nature of milwaukeestories.org, asking if I had ever written anything supporting the killing of cops. I said no. They asked me where I had gotten my equipment. I answered that I bought the recorder online, most likely through Amazon, had been given the camera from a friend and had neglected to return the walkie talkie after an event I had volunteered at and used it. They asked if it was stolen — or had been reported stolen — and insinuated they would like to charge me for theft. Throughout the entire interaction, I remained polite, referring to the officers as “sir.”
Both the camera and walkie talkie, as expected, came up clean but the officers continued to argue with me about the details of our previous interaction. Officer Stoj said, “You don’t say, ‘What the fuck are you doing here?'” I, again, politely responded that I had, in fact, not used any language. He, at some point, said that it wouldn’t have been a problem if I’d just moved along. To which, I tried to explain my car being in the wrong gear and said, “If you’d just given me the opportunity…” but Officer Anderer, cutting me off, proclaimed, “We don’t give opportunities, we end things.” In the midst of all this, there came a moment of humanity when Officer Stoj mentioned he was just glad he’d be able to go home that evening, noting the recent deaths of two officers in New York. It was at this moment, I acknowledged the potentially suspicious nature of my behavior while in the car and apologized to him, which he accepted. However, I also noted that, in my experience, it has not been a crime to ask questions of law enforcement.
After this exchange, the realization that none of my property had been stolen and my admission that I graduated from Northwestern University, tensions eased considerably. I was told I would be receiving two citations — one for Resisting or Obstructing an Officer (City Statute 105-138-2) and another for Improper Parking/Standing of Vehicle (Wisconsin State Statute 346.54). The officers relaxed and even took to a bit of small talk over the sophistication of my voice recorder. However, at this point, two men — who remain unidentified but who I assumed to be civilians in employ of the department — came out to the table where Officers Anderer and Stoj were sitting. The officers relayed their version of the incident and one of the men, who apparently thought me quite dumb, turned and said, “You’re lucky you didn’t get shot,” to which Anderer immediately added, “We don’t mind making the news, again.” I held my tongue except to, at a later time, say that I believe any death is a tragedy. Officer Stoj agreed.
After what must have been 45 minutes or so outside the booking room I was taken inside, searched, fingerprinted, had my picture taken and was put in a holding cell until being released around 6:05 p.m. that night.
As previously said, I believe the way I approached these officers, in the moment, gave no suspicion other than the question I had asked — and they, purportedly, did not want to answer. I do acknowledge, as before, that police are on high alert; I also believe my actions in this incident did not merit the response I received. I also have to question the motivations behind my particular arrest, given the fact I had appeared on the corner of 27th and Burleigh in conspicuous clothing as well as some of the comments made in the course of my arrest and processing. In fact, Officer Joseph Anderer has somewhat of a history with reporters.
Both Anderer and Stoj received, earlier this year, the Meritorious Service Award from the Milwaukee Police Department in relation to their apprehension of a violent subject in the process of committing a robbery.
you should definitely file a complaint and fight the charges!
Anyone know why the Democratic Party is staying silent on these issues?
I was led to believe they were the all inclusive political party that represents everybody.
I noticed the county Dem Party has taken down their open commentary/discourse Facebook page.
Anyone know why?
Awesome story. That was bogus… They were just on a mission to arrest somebody, anybody…
Where is that brave Constitutional Sheriff of Milwaukee county– Sheriff David Clarke– Is he afraid to defend his constituents’ constitutionally protected activities from the oath breaking Milwaukee police?
You can’t afford to get your car out of impound?
Typical. The consequences of your actions are an after thought.
I’m white and as a young man got arrested 11 times. Always had bail money.
I guess we truly are different.
Continue to write what’s going on people need to know the people with the negative responses are ignorant and until something happens to them or a family member they will get their wake up call… You should not have been arrested..
Obvious Troll is Obvious.
You have obviously never met Jabril. You have made an assumption about his race, which is incorrect and that comment at best is borderline racist. I have known this good man since high school and to accuse him of being without forethought is patently false.
He is working a job in media where it is difficult to make a decent wage and you berate him for doing that job. That is a low blow.
I would not be surprised if this is Jabril’s first arrest.
You truly are different for I have no idea how one gets arrested 11 times and was actually thinking about the repercussions of his actions. I would laugh if the truths you reveil about yourself were not so sad.
Congrats dumba$$. Never heard of someone brag about being a loser.
Frightening.
Considering what it could’ve quickly turned into, I’m just glad you’re still here to tell your story.
Be safe…and keep telling your stories.
I am sorry this happened to you yesterday. I honor your right and responsibility to make us all aware of what happened. You present a well-organized description of what happened. Based on that, you should not have been arrested. Questioning you might have been OK, but arresting you was inexcusable. And, knowing that the police are on high-alert because of recent police shootings does not make their reaction to your presence anymore acceptable.
Thank you for trying to create understanding about what is happening in Milwaukee by reporting what you see and hear. Please continue. Perhaps in future we can figure out a way to keep you safe while you are following your path. I would like to help make Milwaukee a more safe and peaceful city for all colors of persons to live. Would it be possible to create an on-call stand-by contingent of white witnesses for every unsafe situation that arises before the arrest or mistreatment of any brown person?
Have you contacted the ACLU with your story? And did you get your car back? Do you have a fundraising site to support your defense and vehicle recovery?
I haven’t directly contacted the ACLU. I will be retrieving my car tomorrow morning — the impound wasn’t open today. I don’t have any fundraising site set up for this — a friend has offered to help with those immediate costs. If you would like to help you can contribute to my reporting at milwaukeestories.org. Otherwise, please spread the word and let’s begin working toward change.
Jabril Faraj I’d like to speak briefly with you in relation to this incident. I’d like to work with you in a attempt to mobilze our resources and impact change.
Wille Lynch and Jim Crow destroyed this society/ Segregation, degredation we need reformed propriety/
Acquiescence is as worst as violence its cowardice/ As for me I will not keep silenced I’m tuning in
You deserved to be arrested. What an idiotic troublemaker. Most people are too busy working or being productive to be going up to cop cars and demanding to know what they’re doing. Hope you are convicted you utter moron.
Sounds like the uppity Milwaukee pigs are going to have to be taught a lesson about reality.
Really? Asking a question is trouble making? What’s wrong with you? Have you never asked a question to a police officer? I don’t expect to be arrested and charged with BS because I had a polite 3 second conversation. These cops may not deserve to be shot but it seems like you do you disgusting fascist.
Exactly how many trolls are paid by the local police department to come on this site and rant?
You deserved to get arrested. Why ask the police what they’re doing there? You wanna know what they’re doing? The police are protecting you and the city. How dare you have the audacity to ask what he’s doing parked there. His job is to serve and protect. If there is word of a protest happening, then i want the poilce to be there making sure nothing is getting out of hand. You don’t have anything better to do than to cause trouble and write a stupid article like this? You deserve that inconvenience in your day and get some real issues in your life please.
The police are not some holy entity such that us mere mortal citizens can’t ask them questions about their presence in our neighborhoods. In fact I think we have every right to ask a police officer why he’s sitting around waiting for a peaceful (as all the Dontre protests have been) protest that never happened instead of fighting real crime… Preventing babies from being shot… You know, their actual jobs.
If I see a cop in my backyard, am I able to ask him what he is doing there? Or will I be arrested for that, too?
He has the audacity to ask the police what they’re doing there because he, like all the other taxpayers in the city, pays their salary. The police work for him and all the other citizens. They are not an occupying force, there to rule over the masses. They are there to serve and protect as you say, not bully, coerce and make up false charges. This mentality needs to stop.
This is a thorough and well-written explanation of the situation – I trust you have sent this, or plan to send it, to the Department of Justice. We’ve been assured by the President himself that we are allowed to document the actions of the police. EVERY case where the police harass journalists need to be reported.
The charges are BS, but they still got you for several hundred$, didn’t they? I hear Ferguson works something like that.
Maybe we shouldn’t be poking into potentially tense situations basically looking to encourage the protesters and egg them on? Law enforcement is doing their job and you’re writing pretentious articles about how you were getting in the middle of it then ‘didn’t realize you were in reverse.’ I get the sense that there was a little bit left out here, but what I’m trying to get at is the police are already dealing with enough while trying to do a dangerous job around the clock – take a step back and think about that the next time you go try to stir the pot by glorifying protesters and trying to make police seem like the antagonists. Would you prefer the police weren’t around to protect and serve?
No, Ryan. I would prefer the police would truly protect and serve as they have sworn to do. What I experienced was not that.
You were experiencing the police protecting and serving; that is why you were arrested. Your story doesn’t mean anything because you’re just causing trouble. If i was an officer i also would have arrested you. They’re life is at risk everyday and some cops were just executed in NY. I also believe that your story isn’t everything that happened. You know you’re leaving something out. Regardless, you were egging them on so they should have the right to arrest you. Next tine don’t be a moron and go up to a cop car asking such stupid questions, k?
Jesse: if everyone thought the same way that you do we would live in a world of oppression to a much greater extent than presently. As a citizen you have rights, one of which is to question authority if deemed neccesary. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate the work that the majority of the Police Force carry out but it works both ways; you cannot show so little respect to someone who you are there to protect and serve and expect to recieve it, unconditionally, in return. Things like this and people like you are the reason humanity is regressing socially; you need to realise that putting on that uniform does not justify such an undignified retalliation to a very simple question. Arresting this man was a waste of Police time, resources and money and arguing otherwise is just plain ignorant. K?
The police are serving US. We can ask them questions. They are the law, but are not ABOVE the law.
Stop speaking about events as if you were there, or know all and see all. You do not.
The nazis were just doing their jobs too. I mean common, when they were gassing Jews they were just trying to make sure their was enough food and resources for everyone.
It’s Kinda like the way cops put non violent minorities in jail so prison guards can afford Christmas presents. One hand washes the other, it’s all justified.
Jeese is a classic bigot idiot who probably has ties to the police. It’s THEIR job to protect and serve. “Cops risk their lives everyday” Huh? It’s their freaking job to do that. If they don’t want to do that, they should go get a job flipping burgers at McDonald’s. Most policemen aren’t educated and are lucky to have the job they have. Let’s see would you rather sit in your cruiser and arrest innocent people for just asking questions or work a labor job making less that requires you to work 24/7? Cops have it to easy. Protect and serve my ass
You attracted a number of obvious police trolls, using similar fascist style language and illogical arguments that citizens should accept police actions without question or criticism. Of course that is the goal of all reactionary authorities; docile obedience.
Jabril: Your note on the events doesn’t ring true. I can shift from reverse to drive in a nanosecond…. why couldn’t you do that when asked to move on? I suspect, you just wanted to antagonize the officers to see what would happen and now you a whining about the result.
There are shouldering fires all over this land as a result of violence both by and against police. You deliberately poured gasoline on one of the fires.
You clearly have a nicer more operational car than a lot of us do, Rick. Police, in part, get paid to keep their cool and even if Jabrils initial actions were suspicious, their subsequent handling of the situation and color commentary is shameful.
First things first- PLEASE report this. The charges are rather bogus, and they did not treat you with respect. The way the officers conducted themselves was out of line- particularly in the case of Anderer. Legitimate and well documented reports of mis-conduct inside MPD are taken rather seriously, so something will probably be done about this, but only if you report it.
That said- I feel like the action of driving up to a marked squad and asking them “what are you doing here” is asking for issues. They have a right to be parked on the side of the street just the same as you do. For all you know, they could have just been on a break. Its offensive to say the least. I’m guessing that people don’t normally walk up to you while you’re working and -out of the blue- ask “what are you doing here”. And, if they did, I’m guessing that you would be rather taken aback.
Secondly, your exact words were that the large police presence “indicated an effort on the part of police to arrest a large number of protesters, should any activity occur.” I’d like to point out that a large number of the Dontre Hamilton protest have gone uninterrupted by MPD. Sure, they have a large amount of officers there, but the cops let the protesters do their thing. Hell, they even block traffic so they can march through the streets, which is, if I’m not mistaken, disallowed by a Milwaukee ordinance. My point is that MPD has not interfered with any of the protests except on one occasion when they climbed onto a freeway. Simply having officers there (even in large numbers) is not doing anything to prevent protesters from having a protest.
On the same note- if those officers were indeed there to just stalk the protesters as you seem to insinuate, then talking to them -as you attempted to- would not have changed this. Those officers would have been sent there by their sergeant, who was told to do so by the district captain, who likely received that directive from the inspector, and so on. It’s a bit like going to a cashier at a grocery store to bitch about the prices at the store- they didn’t make that decision. They’re just doing what they’re told. If you wanted to actually change this, you should have made a complaint, which would be addressed to the people that actually made the decision to have police present there.
Lastly, I don’t think you’re taking what happened in NYC seriously enough. Just awhile ago, two cops were literally executed while parked on the side of the road in their patrol car. They were sitting there one moment, and the next, they were shot dead. So, you should appreciate that a cop would be seriously on edge when they were just sitting in their car and you drove past, then threw it in reverse and backed up to their car. Officer Stoj’s comment of being glad that he “gets to go home tonight” only validates this.
As I said before, I think you should definitely report this. You were not treated in a respectful manner. And the unlawful search of your car that you detail is inexcusable. From what you’ve said, it would be a stretch to claim that the officers had probable cause or reasonable suspicion that would lead to the search. That said, I also think that there were several other more effective ways of voicing your concern beyond pulling up to a cop and saying “what are you doing here”. You’re asking to have an issue. Now, if you’d been walking/driving down the street and then been stopped by the cops having not provoked them, I’d see a point in writing a story about it. Right now all I see is you provoking the cops and then acting surprised when you got a reaction from it.
I have worked as a construction worker and as a cashier and getting asked what one is doing and getting complaint about the price is quite normal. If I had at any point reacted with threats and or violence to any of these enquiries or complaints I should have been reprimanded at least. I have also worked as a fisherman and I did not freak out every time a fellow fisherman died because of his or her work, it simply is not professional. People loose their jobs behaving violently or unprofessionally, but unless their booboo is to bad I think people should get another chance and be helped to not make the same mistake again. And people, remember to be corteous, please.
Dear Akeem the Dream Jabar Skyhook – Your lucky they didn’t call Homeland Security on you & ship you off to Club Gitmo.
Your actions multipled by your motive divided by your response & compounded by your whining could lead to your elimination.
Darwinism buddy. Your not a CAT.
I think you made a mistake, you acted suspeciously by how you chose to stop your vechile right then and there, the officer asked you to move along, and you did not. They don’t know who you are and as it was said police are on high alert, rightfully so. Don’t you think officers are scared each day they go out to protect our cities and US? You saw they were in the mist of something and you made the choice to interrupt it, very foolish. We are all human beings and we all deserve a life of peace. Given the actions that have occurred recently, the behavior of many, this officer felt threatened and acted. NO it’s not wrong to ask a question, but when you see multiple officers in an area, chances are they aren’t just on a coffee break- and to use that opportunity to ask questions because you are a reporter is just wrong. Glad you are safe.
You got caught in the “Monkey Trap”. The abuse of police power and authority in Millwaukee is endemic and reflects why the State of Wisconsin is ranked as the worst State in the entire nation for blalck people to live in. )Milwaukee has the largest population of blacks so it must mean that Milwaukee is the worst of the worst.) Policing is part of a pathological, historic, systemic, socially acceptable empowerment that perpetuates bias in every aspect of our lives as black people and therefore, resulting in an ingrained bias and injustice. Sustained, systemic, unfairness and injustice permeates the entire legal industrial complex. It’s easy for the police to justify your treatment. (This is some of the weakest probable cause to arrest I have ever seen.) It’s pure harrassment, abuse and a display of unchecked police power which is dangerous to a free society. The goal is to violate your rights and intimidate you by costing you more time and money than its worth to challenge them in a system where they have enormous power and influence. I am a child of the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and still here today. (In te 50’s you could have been hung for questioning the police) I’ve pratcticed law in the Wisconsin legal system for over 35 years. You may not realize it but, your experience, though trumatic, is an important one in the context of time and history. You are part of a civil rights movement in time and history that can not be ignored or rationalized away. You are the face of our current reality. Experience is the greatest teacher. Tell the truth and use your writing skills to tell the story. Those who speak up and speak out change the future.
Roy B Evens is a convicted felon for stealing from his client and his license was revoked on July 15, 1984. Tell some more lies Roy!!!!!!
You don’t have a clue. That’s a postscript to a long story. What’s your purpose?
Saying things annomously is like being a neighborhood snitch who is long on supposition and short on facts.
I can’t think of anyone to whom I personally owe an apology or explaination for your pronouncement, including you. Since you brought it up, YOU should explain the facts of the matter and what they have to do with the discussion about Jabril’s own arrest experience to which my comments were directed. If all you can provide is distraction and subterfuge in promoting your own agenda, then what really is your purpose? Atty Roy B. Evans
Are you serious Roy? Now your making fun of neighborhood snitches!!! Really? You should be ashamed of yourself or did someone snitch on your dumbass and that’s how you picked up your felony. You owe your victims an apology you petty thief!!! Your just another dumb cry baby liberal. Happy New Year cry baby ex-atty Roy :)
Again, this is my last response to you on this because you are dumb and ignorant. Negative speech is rooted in jelousy, envy and insecurity. Is it because you don’t have a BA. MS or JD? When is the last time you tried a case or helped the black community in any way? I’m still waiting on the facts of your findings. You don’t even have a clue as to what you’re talking about. Your insecurity and self pity gives credence to your self serving annonomuos utterings. If ingorance is bliss I am sure you are very happy. (“ex-atty”? You must still be listening to eight track tapes.) Roy B. Evans, Attorney at Law
URBAN MILWAUKEE ALERT! BEWARE THAT THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN INFILTRATED BY A HUMAN VIRUS OF THE TRAILER TRASH VARIETY (CCAP). THEIR SOLE INTENT AND PUROSE IS TO DEMEAN AND MARGINALIZE THE CONVERSATION WITH SUBTERFUGE AND DISTRACTION. KNOW THAT ANYONE WHO TRIES TO HIJACK THIS CONVERSATION WITH DISTORTION AND NONSENSE IS AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. THEY WANT TO TAKE ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE REAL ISSUE WHICH IS POLICE MISCONDUCT AND IT’S IMPACT ON MILWAUKEE’S BLACK COMMUNITY. LIKE EVERY OTHER MOVEMENT IN BLACK HISTORY THIS MOVEMENT TOO WILL HAVE IT’S SABOTEURS. EVEN THOUGH THE FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTS THE SPEECH OF FOOLS AND IDIOTS, THE TRUTH CAN ONLY BE SPOKEN BY THOSE WHO KNOW. HOTEP.