Video Shows Florida Cop Pointing His Gun At A Black Pregnant Woman

The incident occurred on Aug. 12 around midnight, when Ebony Washington and her three children were headed home to Jacksonville from Gainesville around. She was stopped by DeSue for going 75 mph in a 55 mph zone. Washington said she didn’t pull over right away because she wanted to find a lit area to stop to ensure her and her children’s safety.

“It was dark and I was with my kids. I felt uncomfortable, and I didn’t want to be able to not have anyone else around,” Washington told News4Jax.

She turned on her hazard lights, which can be seen in dash cam footage, to indicate to DeSue that she acknowledged his request to pull over, First Coast News reports. Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith told First Coast News that she did everything right.

“She does exactly what I would tell my daughter, my wife, my neighbor, anybody else that may feel uncomfortable: You reduce your speed, you turn on your flashing lights, be acknowledged,” he said, according to the outlet.

Later in the video, DeSue can be heard getting agitated with Washington, WJAX reports.

“Pull the vehicle over or I’ll put you into the ground,” DeSue told Washington in the video.

After parking at a gas station, DeSue aimed his gun at the pregnant mother.

“If you make a move that’ll be the last mistake you make. Do not move,” the former officer said.

The mom of four stepped out of the vehicle with her hands in the air.

She turned around, preparing to be cuffed, before DeSue is shown grabbing Washington’s arm aggressively.

Washington recounted that she didn’t know DeSue had his gun raised at first.

“I didn’t know he had a gun until I told him my seatbelt was still on and he said, ‘Get out. I have my gun. I’m not worried,'” she said.

 

“I’m trying to tell you the only reason I didn’t stop. I’m a very educated woman with a master’s degree. Lord knows I was only not because it’s dark out. I have three kids with me, and I didn’t want them to feel uncomfortable,” Washington told DeSue in the video.

“Just shut up about the why. I don’t care about why,” he responded harshly.

Washington’s daughter, Saige, who was in the car during the stop, said she remembers being terrified.

“I was scared he was going to either take her to jail or that he might hurt her,” Saige said, according to News4Jax. “Why is he so upset? She wasn’t doing anything.”

Washington ended up receiving a speeding ticket. She also apologized to the officer.

“Him having power, the badge, the gun and the authority to do things, I think sometimes officers, like himself, they take advantage,” she said.