UVA student Martese Johnson was arrested last night, and photos and video of his arrest have sparked outrage in the wake of recent violence by police against minority groups.
UVA student Martese Johnson was arrested last night, and photos and video of his arrest have sparked outrage in the wake of recent violence by police against minority groups.
A statement sent out by Virginia’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) department stated 20-year-old Martese Johnson was arrested outside a Charlottesville area bar just after midnight last night.
Johnson was charged with Public Intoxication and Obstruction of Justice.
“The uniformed ABC Agents observed and approached the individual after he was refused entry to a licensed establishment,” reads the statement from Kathleen Shaw, M.S., Public Relations Manager for Virginia ABC. “A determination was made by the agents to further detain the individual based on their observations and further questioning.”
Shaw acknowledged Johnson “sustained injuries” while the arrest was made.
According to Johnson’s Facebook page, he’s an Italian major at UVA, the only black member of UVA’s honors committee, and an aspiring investment banker.
A video of Johnson’s arrest as come forward as well – take a look below:
According to the ABC statement, “Governor McAuliffe has requested that Virginia State Police conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of the arrest, including use of force.”
Shaw said Virginia ABC “will provide whatever information or assistance is requested by Virginia State Police.”
The agents involved in the arrest have been placed on administrative duties during the course of the investigation.
