BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The new Battle Creek Community Oversight Board met publicly Wednesday for the first time since police body camera of two separate detainments involving the same teenager from the Washington Heights neighborhood sparked controversy over department policy.
Jeremiah Spearman, 16, was questioned by police, handcuffed, and ultimately released, twice in a 10-day span, on June 4 and, again, on June 14, by Battle Creek police officers.
The teen took video on his phone of the second encounter, and posted it online, drawing a wave of concern from in and outside the community, including from City Commissioner Jenasia Morris who spoke publicly about the incident during a meeting, the day after it happened…