In the lawsuit, Jennings’ attorneys also claimed false arrest.
At a press conference on Saturday, Jennings said he felt dehumanized and humiliated when he was arrested, and his wife and a neighbor pleaded with police to release him.
“What they did that day, they did it with impunity, they thought no action would be taken against them. I felt dehumanized, I felt a little,” Jennings said. “I felt helpless and it hurt me.”
He added that despite verbally identifying himself to responding officers, the police did not believe him. Jennings told police he did not have physical identification and was not going to retrieve it and provide it to authorities.
Jennings was taken into custody and booked into the Talladega County Jail, where he was released on $500 bail.
Jennings’ charges were dismissed with prejudice on June 1, according to the lawsuit.
Jennings’ attorneys said Saturday that, based on their interpretation of Alabama law, Jennings had permission to be on private property and therefore was not required to identify himself to authorities.
‘Not here for revenge’
Attorney Harry Daniels said he believes the conversation, captured on a video that has gone viral, will let law enforcement officials across the country know he “didn’t do it” and praise the pastor’s calm and collected nature. Arrest.
Another attorney for Jennings, Bethany Embry Jones, said the police should have been more familiar with the law, saying the incident should never have happened.
Alabama NAACP President Bernard Simelton urged the people People who find themselves in situations like Jennings want to document what’s going on.
Jennings said Saturday Childersburg’s mayor has yet to reach out to him regarding his arrest.
“I’m here today for some accountability,” Jennings said. “I am not here for revenge, but for responsibility and justice.”
According to Daniels, the lawsuit seeks relief from the courts and a jury trial.
CNN reached out to Childersburg Mayor Ken Wesson and the Childersburg Police Department for comment Saturday, but did not receive a response.
