The Times-Journal

An incident that took place over the weekend brought family members of a man and his grandson who were reportedly beaten by five police officers to the Selma City Council meeting on Monday.

While the family members of the alleged victims did not speak before the council, Mayor James Perkins Jr., acknowledged them and issued a statement to the media. According to police reports Kourtney Gordon, 20, and his 64-year-old grandfather Walter Hollman Jr., were both arrested outside Hollman’s 2307 West Dr. home just after 11 p.m. Friday.

They were booked and released on $1,000 bond each, according to police reports.

Police reportedly attempted to stop Gordon for a traffic violation in his Chevrolet Cobalt, but he continued to his grandparents’ residence.

Gordon, a student at Alabama State University, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Hollman was charged with assault third degree on a police officer, and resisting arrest. Family members said they are considering legal action against the officers and the city, but for now want the officers off the streets until an investigation is complete.

Perkins said in a statement that he has asked Police Chief Jimmy Martin to contact the Alabama Bureau of Investigations to look into the incident.

“I have said before, and I stand firm on the same today: the lives of all citizens of Selma are valuable to this administration. I stand by and uphold the officers of the Selma Police Department who work to serve and protect those lives daily,” Perkins said. “However, if it is found by this investigation that the officers were in the wrong, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.”

Hollman’s son and daughter attended the Council meeting and were assured a proper investigation would be done. Mike Gordon, Hollman’s son, said the incident showed officers “were out of control.”

“My nephew was screaming, ‘They’re trying to kill me.’ When my father went outside the officers started bouncing him off of cars too,” Mike Gordon said. “My father is 67 years old and has never been in trouble with the law.”

Mike Gordon said he was grocery shopping when he got a call from his daughter, who was at the residence.

“She said, ‘Daddy come home, they’re going to kill Paw Paw.’ I told her to dial 911 and call the police, and she said, ‘It is the police,'” Mike Gordon said. “We want them on administrative leave until the investigation is over.”