Community members, advocacy groups, and local organizers are calling for the resignation of BART Deputy Chief Antoinette Turner following the release of video footage connected to a December 2024 police encounter involving Shaquille Coleman.
The controversy centers on body camera footage reportedly showing Coleman, a homeless man, being detained by San Leandro police officers before later being transported across city lines and left in Oakland.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about police accountability, use-of-force reporting, and leadership oversight within Bay Area law enforcement agencies.
Footage
According to reporting by ABC7 News, San Leandro Internal Affairs Sgt. Mike Olivera discovered the footage while reviewing archived body camera files.
The video reportedly showed officers handcuffing Coleman at a strip mall before a physical struggle occurred during the detention.
Advocacy organization Anti-Police Terror Project said the footage depicts officers pulling Coleman’s dreadlocks while restraining him. The group also alleged officers later transported him roughly seven miles away and abandoned him in Oakland.
ABC7 reported that officers eventually concluded Coleman had not committed a crime.
Under department policy, officers are generally required to document any use of force during arrests or detentions. Reports indicate that documentation may not have been properly completed in this case.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 2024 |
| Location | San Leandro and Oakland |
| Individual Involved | Shaquille Coleman |
| Agency | San Leandro Police Department |
| Current Position of Turner | BART Deputy Chief |
| Main Concern | Conduct during detention |
Role Of Turner
At the time of the incident, Antoinette Turner was serving as a lieutenant with the San Leandro Police Department.
According to advocacy groups, Turner was present during the encounter shown in the footage. Critics allege she appeared to laugh while officers detained Coleman.
Robert Bowden of the advocacy group All of Us or None criticized Turner’s conduct publicly.
“And the lieutenant thought it was funny,” Bowden said during community remarks. “She is laughing while this man is being violated and disrespected.”
The controversy has intensified because Turner now oversees BART’s Progressive Policing and Community Engagement division, a position intended to strengthen public trust and improve community relations.
Advocates argue that someone connected to the incident should not remain in a leadership role focused on police reform and community engagement.
Public Response
Community activists are expected to gather at a BART Police Civilian Review Board meeting to demand accountability and call for Turner’s resignation.
The Anti-Police Terror Project said the issue reflects broader concerns surrounding police culture, transparency, and oversight within regional law enforcement agencies.
| Community Concerns | Focus |
|---|---|
| Use Of Force | Lack of documentation |
| Leadership Accountability | Turner’s role in incident |
| Police Oversight | Review of officer conduct |
| Public Trust | Community-police relations |
BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin also faced criticism after being questioned publicly about Turner’s involvement.
According to ABC7, reporter Dan Noyes attempted to ask Franklin about the matter during a recent interaction. Franklin reportedly walked away without answering questions after dropping the reporter’s microphone.
Franklin later defended Turner’s hiring and leadership abilities.
“I have confidence that she is able to lead and grow our progressive police and community engagement bureau,” Franklin said.
That response drew additional criticism from advocacy organizations, which argued it reflected resistance to accountability within BART Police leadership.
Coleman’s Reaction
ABC7 also interviewed Shaquille Coleman about the incident after the footage became public.
According to the report, Coleman became emotional while watching the video and asked for the interview to stop shortly after it began.
He reportedly described the experience as difficult to process.
“It’s hard to even grasp the situation because I didn’t think nothing like that would happen to me,” Coleman said.
The report stated Coleman planned to speak further about the incident at a later time but did not appear for a scheduled follow-up interview.
Despite his absence, community members and activists spoke on his behalf during a BART Police Civilian Review Board meeting.
Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti-Police Terror Project, addressed board members and attendees during the meeting.
“I’m going to guess you all are sitting in these seats because those are not the kind of cops that you want on our streets,” Brooks said.
Broader Debate
The incident has renewed broader conversations in the Bay Area about police oversight, internal investigations, and leadership accountability.
Advocacy groups have also pointed to previous allegations involving Turner connected to claims that reporting related to a crash involving a former San Leandro police chief may have been discouraged.
No findings related to those allegations were detailed in the current reports, but organizers argue the latest controversy adds to ongoing concerns surrounding institutional transparency.
The situation now places additional attention on how law enforcement agencies handle misconduct allegations involving supervisory personnel and whether public trust can be maintained during active investigations.
Community members and advocacy organizations are expected to continue pressing for answers as public meetings and reviews move forward.
FAQs
Who is at the center of the controversy?
BART Deputy Chief Antoinette Turner.
What happened to Shaquille Coleman?
He was detained and later left in Oakland.
Who discovered the bodycam footage?
San Leandro Sgt. Mike Olivera.
What are activists demanding?
Turner’s resignation and accountability.
Did police say Coleman committed a crime?
Reports said officers found no crime.
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