City apologizes after man cited while walking

EDINA, Minn. — The mayor and City Council members Tuesday night told an overflow crowd of about 150 that they were sorry about last week’s incident between a white police officer and a black man. The apologies followed more than three hours of pointed comments and demands at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

A bystander video that later went viral on social media caught last Wednesday’s daytime encounter between plainclothes Edina police Lt. Tim Olson and Larnie Thomas, 34, of Minneapolis. Olson grabbed Thomas by the back of his jacket and reprimanded him for walking in the street near a construction zone. Agitated, Thomas objected to his treatment, sometimes swearing at Olson.

Thomas ultimately received a citation but was not arrested.

The Minneapolis NAACP issued a list of demands, including an independent investigation and the suspension of Olson without pay.

The city on Monday said it believed that “the officers followed established protocol” but would provide additional training to officers.

One speaker said Olson “treated Thomas like an animal.” Others described Olson’s actions as “appalling,” “disgusting,” “indefensible” and “racist.”

“Please send a loud, clear message to your police department that this will not be tolerated,” said Cathy Jones, of the NAACP’s Minneapolis chapter.