“Our office has formally filed charges against former APD officer Kenneth Skeens for his involvement in the wrongful arrest of a disabled customer who was struggling to complete a purchase at an Albuquerque Target in August 2022. Instead of upholding his duty as a public servant and protecting vulnerable individuals, Mr. Skeens engaged in misconduct that compromised public safety and violated his sworn oath as a law enforcement officer in New Mexico,” Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated in a press release.

Bodycam footage released by the Attorney General’s office shows an officer speaking with a customer who was attempting to purchase a bicycle using cash at a self-checkout. The customer is heard saying, “It just took me a little while,” explaining that they needed time to retrieve money from a pouch. The footage shows cash on the checkout machine, but the officer responds, “You took too long.”

Repeatedly, the officer instructs the individual to collect the cash before taking the money himself and informing them that they are being charged with criminal trespassing. The officer then hands the collected money back to the customer.

The officers attempt to escort the individual out of the store, but the footage shows the person’s feet dragging across the floor, appearing to resist or being forced out. Outside, the individual sits on the curb and refuses to provide identification. When asked for their name, they respond, “None of your business,” prompting the officer to declare, “Alright, then you’re under arrest.” The individual also refers to the officers as security guards.

The individual attempts to dial 911 while surrounded by officers, but police forcibly seize the phone. Several officers then attempt to restrain and handcuff the individual, who is seen on their knees, being pressed toward the ground.

Near the end of the video, an officer informs the individual that they are being arrested and charged with “concealing identity, resisting officers.” The officers also clarify that they are police. The individual protests, saying, “That’s not right. I was just paying for my things.” They also add, “I didn’t know you were police officers … I didn’t see your badges.”

The Attorney General’s office has accused Kenneth Skeens of unlawfully detaining the individual against their will. According to a criminal complaint submitted to the district court, Skeens allegedly knew he had no legal authority to make the arrest.

Attorney General Torrez condemned the incident, stating, “It is outrageous that an officer, instead of assisting someone facing difficulties as a customer, would choose to abuse their power and apply excessive force.”

The Attorney General’s office further alleges that Skeens provided false statements under oath regarding the incident and deliberately misreported details to fellow law enforcement officers. Additionally, Skeens is accused of battery for unlawfully handling the individual, who is reportedly disabled.

“This individual had committed no crime. Without criminal activity, there was no legal basis for the officer to intervene as he did, let alone escalate the situation,” Torrez emphasized.

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina stated that the department took action against Skeens as soon as the incident surfaced. Skeens was terminated from the force following the Target incident, as well as another case where he was found to have violated departmental policies, according to an Albuquerque Journal report.

Torrez acknowledged APD’s role in bringing the incident to light: “The Albuquerque Police Department should be credited for bringing this matter to our attention. They informed us while I was still with the District Attorney’s office.”

“They recognized this case as a violation of their professional and ethical standards, which ultimately led to Mr. Skeens’ dismissal from the force,” he added.

The post Disabled Man Gets Dragged Out of Albuquerque Target appeared first on Medical Journal Daily.

Tom Morris, a former strength coach turned disability advocate, was riding his specially-adapted electric tricycle along a public trail when he was abruptly stopped by a man who insisted he wasn’t allowed to be there.

“You’re not supposed to have e-bikes on this trail,” the man says at the beginning of the video, which Morris later posted on Facebook. Calmly, Morris responds, “It’s a handicapped piece of equipment.” Rather than backing down, the man—who identified himself only as Freddy—coldly replies, “And?”

Freddy then challenges Morris to “show him the rules” proving that his adaptive mobility device is allowed on the trail. Morris reiterates that he cannot walk and depends on the trike for outdoor recreation. A woman accompanying Freddy eventually chimes in, saying, “You should’ve led with that,” to which Morris responds, “Is this your husband? Class act, brother.”

Since the video was posted, it has been viewed tens of thousands of times. Social media users quickly labeled Freddy as “the male Karen,” a term often used to describe individuals who aggressively enforce perceived rules, especially when doing so discriminates or lacks empathy.

Morris later confirmed that he reached out to Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for clarification. He spoke with Terry Coleman, the DNR’s deputy director, who assured him that his adaptive electric tricycle is fully legal on Indiana’s trails.

“What I’m on is not an e-bike,” Morris explained in a follow-up post. “It’s an adaptive mobility device. Adaptive equipment is permitted on all trails in Indiana, including those in state parks.”

He added that Coleman informed him the DNR had recently acquired 12 off-road wheelchairs to help expand trail access for people with disabilities. These electric mobility devices are designed to provide more freedom and equal access for disabled individuals who want to enjoy nature and participate in outdoor activities.

Morris hopes the incident sparks a larger conversation about compassion, inclusion, and accessibility. “We need to be more kind to each other,” he said. “Just because someone looks different or is using something you’re not familiar with doesn’t mean they don’t belong.”

The unnamed couple were later recognized in their neighborhood after the facebook video reached over 700,00 views. The local police received a complaint from them of people harrassing them. After a few weeks, they had to relocate to a different state due to all the people coming up to their doorstep.”

As outdoor spaces continue to evolve, Morris urges others with disabilities to reclaim their right to enjoy nature. “If you have this kind of equipment—use it. Use it on the trails, in the parks, anywhere you’re allowed. You belong there just like everyone else.”

Tom responded with this statement.

I posted that video for one very simple reason and that was to bring awareness. That night that the video was taken, I waited until the next morning not knowing if I was going to post it. When I woke up the next morning I opened up some social media and the very first person that was on my feed was a young boy, Eli, an 8-year-old boy with spinal bifida who is wheelchair bound. All I could think was what if this were to happen to him or someone like him? He doesn’t have a voice or a platform like I do.

The only reason I posted that video is because I want to advocate for people that maybe don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves. That video was never meant with intentions to do harm or ill will to those two people. I don’t know them, I know them from one interaction, and I have nothing but love and kindness for them. This is not a revenge thing, this isn’t anything like that.

People have reached out with a lot of support and I appreciate that but on the other hand what that man and woman’s comments to me were, they weren’t very nice but some of the stuff that’s written in those messages is challenging and that’s not who I am and that’s not the message. The message is kindness. As we move forwards I would just really appreciate if we could look at each other with a little more empathy and try and get out there and make this place a little bit better.—Tom Morris

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