When The Taser Doesn’t Work…

Four officers responded to separate locations in response to a call about a disorderly person at Underwood Park on 10th Avenue South, according to police.

Theodore Williams, 28, was spotted as police were talking to a witness, and when officers tried to approach him he ran, Officer Truman Fitzgerald said in a Facebook video.

The officers followed in their vehicle and when an officer approached him, Williams said he was going to assault the officer and then punched him before a chase began, according to police. An officer deployed their stun gun, but it was unsuccessful.

Williams stopped in the road and was told to put his hands behind his back, but refused and spit, Fitzgerald said. The officer took Williams to the ground and punched him several times.

Police said the Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to Magnolia Avenue and treated Williams and he was taken to a local hospital to be checked out per protocol. None of the officers or Williams were seriously injured.

A magistrate issued arrest warrants for Williams. He is charged with assault with bodily fluids, physical harassment, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

ATKCAM asked the Birmingham Police Department why the body camera footage was released. The department stated it will release body camera video on a "case by case basis." The department "wanted to provide full context" regarding a video that was shared on social media of one of the officers punching Williams.

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