Of course the police chief is going to back up police procedure. A cop high on drugs could plug a guy in the back of the head and somehow the police chief will still tell the world he's a good guy and the police force supports his actions.Correct but it stemmed from not making a purchase. And I think most people would either be dumbfounded or even a bit belligerent in the same situation, let alone two black guys who might immediately think the actions were unjustified. The problem is that many of us have no idea what it's like to be discriminated against repeatedly because of color. I imagine when these situations arise, the first thing the victim thinks is they are being accosted because of their color.
I remember once sitting in a fairly busy restaurant where I'd reserved a table for 12. Only 3 people showed up on time and it took 30-45 min for the remainder to show. I just drank water and waited to order. Wasn't given the 3rd degree about waiting for others. Obviously not the same situation but most people aren't anal about it.
On a technical level, perhaps the store had reason to kick them out, and the cops had reason to arrest them.
But the common sense thing to do would be the store manager not creating a fuss. And when the cops were called, the second common sense thing to do is escort them out of the building. According the articles, they didn't want to budge, but the police could surely get them out there with some more negotiation or gently physically making them leave without actually arresting them.
Even worse, the black guys' buddy showed up. So now they will meet, eat and chat like they planned. They weren't lying. So problem solved right?
Nope. They still arrested the guys.
Dumb-dumb thinking by both store manager and cops.
"Hey you! What are you doing? You stealing that bike?"
"No. I'm waiting for my friend. Its his and I'm returning it."
"BS. I think you're stealing it. Give it up."
"Its my friend's"
"We're going to arrest you for theft. Turn around."
(Friend shows up)..... "What's going on?"
"They think I'm stealing your bike"
"Hey officers. He's my buddy. That's my bike. No issue guys".
"Sorry losers. We're still arresting him for theft".