On Saturday, November 8, 2008 at approximately 6:10 pm the civil rights of Sean Edwards, a 23-yr old, straight-A, college student (Georgia Perimeter College) with no prior criminal record, were violated by police Sergeant Phillip Bratton in Stockbridge, Georgia, USA.

Sean was driving his 2008 Black Nissan Versa to his mother's home in the Eagle's Landing community when he was pulled over by Sgt. Bratton around 6:10pm ostensibly for driving with no headlights.

The African-American police officer alleged in his incident report that Sean attempted to elude his patrol car after he activated his emergency siren on Interstate 75.

In his written complaint against the Henry County PD officer, Sean stated that he saw the siren flashing a few cars back and since he hadn't broken any laws (he was driving the speed limit and didn't have any illegal substances in his possession), he continued to drive north on I-75 to the Eagle's Landing Exit (#224). After exiting, Sean realized that the patrol car was indeed trying to pull him over, so he stopped at the red light on the corner of Eagle's Landing Pkwy and Rock Quarry Road.

It was at this intersection that Sgt. Bratton approached Sean's car, gun drawn, opened the door, grabbed Sean's arm then body-slammed him head-first into the concrete pavement. He then violently twisted Sean's arm as he handcuffed him, fracturing his wrist in the process. Sean suffered multiple lacerations to his face and head (see photos above).

Several witnesses observed this brutal abuse of power by the officer and Sean's family has posted flyers in the area to encourage them to come forward by contacting Sean at 770 389 9616 - home, 678 836 9220 - cell, or email: jpaul591 [at] hotmail.com

Sgt. Bratton ultimately filed the following charges against Sean:

1. No headlights
2. Fleeing and eluding
3. Felony Obstruction

Sean is innocent of these serious charges and is in the process of of hiring an experienced criminal law attorney to defend him in court. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 am on 11/26/2008 at the Henry County Jail Court in McDonough, GA.

Sean's family has started a legal defense fund along with this website to increase public awareness of this vicious act of police abuse and to solicit financial support to help pay for his legal defense.

Donations (checks, money orders) of any amount may be sent to:

Sean Edwards Legal Defense Fund
c/o June Paul
724 Deerwood Drive
Stockbridge, GA 30281
(Please make payable to Sean Edwards Legal Defense Fund or June Paul)