Driver Strikes Two Women Protesting Andrew Brown Jr. Shooting, Could Face Hate Crime Charges
Police in North Carolina arrested a driver late Monday for allegedly using her car to strike two people who were protesting the fatal police shooting of 42-year-old Black man Andrew Brown Jr.
The two victims were 42-year-old Black women. They were not seriously injured and were released from the hospital after treatment.
The motorist, 41-year-old Lisa Michelle O'Quinn, faces two felonious counts of assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill by the use of a vehicle. She also faces one count of careless and reckless driving, and one count of unsafe movement.
The incident occurred in the small coastal town of Elizabeth City.
Press Release pic.twitter.com/7r9q4BpN5g
— Elizabeth City PD (@elizcityPD) May 25, 2021
Police said they were still investigating the matter, including whether the attack qualified as a hate crime.
According to the Elizabeth City Chief of Police’s office, victims Michelle Fleming Morris and Valerie Lindsey were “peacefully protesting and exercising their constitutional rights” when they were struck by a white sedan.
Less than an hour before the incident, the Elizabeth City police department warned motorists to look out for protestors.
ATTENTION! May 24, 2021, 6:24PM - Be vigilant as Elizabeth City prepares for peaceful protests. Please expect delays as traffic may be redirected around citizens exercising their constitutional right to a peaceful protest.
— Elizabeth City PD (@elizcityPD) May 24, 2021
Tensions have been high ever since Brown’s shooting, especially since prosecutors declined to pursue charges. Brown was fatally shot as he fled from officers attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
#BREAKING: Heated Protestors Gathering Outside The Closed Door City Counsel Meeting In Elizabeth City, North Carolina Following This Mornings Officer Involved Shooting That Left Andrew Brown Jr. Dead. #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/zwWTL6Lp4Z
— Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) April 21, 2021
In Elizabeth City- protestors gathered in front of the Pasquotank County Public Safety Building as the DA’s office said the sheriff’s deputies’ actions were justified in the shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. @13NewsNow pic.twitter.com/6DUfXstQeO
— Dana Smith (@13DanaSmith) May 18, 2021
FACTS
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) May 18, 2021
1. A car can be used as a deadly weapon.
2. A stationary car isn't a deadly weapon.
3. A car being driven away from a police officer is not being used as a deadly weapon against that officer.
4. Prosecutors cannot make unbiased prosecution decisions about their co-workers.
If George Floyd forced America to face the question of whether an officer who abuses power can be held accountable, Andrew Brown Jr.’s blood cries out from the ground of eastern North Carolina for deeper change.
— Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II (@RevDrBarber) May 21, 2021
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