A routine parking matter turned into a disturbing incident in Senatobia, Mississippi, when a Black woman named Breshari Faulkner was arrested outside a Walmart on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025.
She was handcuffed by a police officer for allegedly parking in a handicap spot, even though she had a valid placard displayed and said she was waiting for her elderly, disabled grandmother, who was shopping inside the store.
What Happened at the Scene
Bodycam footage released by Senatobia Police shows the moment an officer approached Faulkner’s car in the Walmart parking lot. The officer asked about the handicap parking placard, and Faulkner explained that she had dropped her grandmother at the store entrance and was waiting for her to return.
“I can move,” Faulkner said, trying to end the conversation.
The officer, however, demanded to see her ID and told her that she was illegally parked because she was alone in the car at the time. Mississippi law allows handicap parking only when the disabled person is in the vehicle at the time of parking.
Faulkner tried to explain again that her grandmother, who the placard was for, had already gone inside, but the officer insisted on seeing her ID. Things escalated quickly when the officer claimed to have seen unsecured children in the back seat, and then accused Faulkner of resisting by not handing over her ID fast enough.
Tension Rises as Faulkner Is Pulled From Her Car
As the situation became tense, Faulkner told the officer:
“You’re just looking for a reason to mess with me.”
The officer warned her that she would be arrested if she did not comply. Despite eventually showing her ID and continuing to ask for a supervisor, the officer ordered Faulkner out of the vehicle, pulled her out, and then pointed a Taser at her, demanding she get on the ground.
Footage shows Faulkner crying, shouting for help, and repeatedly saying, “You’re hurting me,” as the officer tried to cuff her on the ground. A crowd began to gather, and Faulkner cried out, “My kids are in the car!”
Additional Officers Arrive
Once backup officers arrived, a police sergeant helped Faulkner to her feet. She told him:
“I gave her my ID, and she still pulled me out of the car. Please get her away from me.”
The officer who arrested Faulkner was later seen asking a nearby shopper to give a statement. Videos taken by bystanders also captured the moment Faulkner’s grandmother exited the store, only to find her granddaughter surrounded by police.
Charges Filed Against Faulkner
Faulkner was charged with:
- Disorderly conduct
- Resisting arrest
- Violation of handicap parking rules
Police Department’s Response
After public backlash and viral videos, the Senatobia Police Department released a statement defending the officer, saying:
“This incident could’ve easily ended with a citation or warning until the actions of the suspect escalated the situation. We encourage everyone to comply with officers and report any concerns afterward.”
The department also released multiple videos, including bodycam footage and surveillance angles, stating:
“We are committed to transparency. It wouldn’t be fair to our officers or to the parties involved to release incomplete information just to please critics.”