Investigation Launched into Alleged Racial Profiling by Florence Police

News Summary

An independent investigation has been initiated by SLED at the request of the National Racial Justice Network regarding a traffic stop involving Datwon Lashley in Florence, SC. The NRJN claims that the stop was racially motivated, highlighting ongoing concerns about policing practices in the community. Lashley faced multiple charges during the traffic encounter, which has prompted calls for changes to prevent systemic racial profiling. The Florence Police Department reported a significant number of arrests, raising alarm among community leaders about racial implications and policing transparency.

Florence, South Carolina – The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been tasked with conducting an independent investigation of a traffic stop involving the Florence Police Department that took place in April, following allegations of racial profiling. This review was initiated at the request of the National Racial Justice Network (NRJN), which asserts that the traffic stop was racially motivated.

The individual involved in the traffic stop, 26-year-old Datwon Lashley, was apprehended and faced multiple charges, including driving under suspension, simple possession of marijuana, failing to stop at a stop sign, and resisting arrest. The NRJN claims that Lashley’s arrest is a clear case of racial profiling.

Elder James Williams, who serves as President of the NRJN, underlined the necessity for fair policing practices and stressed the importance of collaboration between the community and law enforcement. His remarks reflect ongoing concerns within the community regarding how racial dynamics affect police interactions.

According to an incident report, which has been reviewed, the officer justified the traffic stop by stating that Lashley had failed to stop at a stop sign. Upon conducting the stop, the officer approached Lashley’s vehicle and requested his driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. It was confirmed that Lashley’s driver’s license was suspended due to unpaid traffic tickets, and further investigation revealed that the vehicle’s temporary tag did not have insurance on record. The officer also reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana inside the vehicle.

Lashley’s mother, Lanika Shelly Williams, a member of the NRJN, was present during the traffic stop and expressed her belief that the incident exemplified racial profiling. During his arrest, Lashley contended that he complied with police orders and expressed remorse for what he perceived as a rolling stop. Despite this, police accounts indicated that Lashley struggled to follow commands and allegedly resisted efforts to remove him from the vehicle.

The NRJN has criticized what they consider systemic racial profiling in Florence, calling for an immediate cessation of such practices to prevent potential violence in the community. In response to these concerns, the NRJN announced plans to initiate a boycott of businesses within Florence until the allegations of racial profiling are addressed and resolved.

In 2024, the Florence Police Department reported conducting a total of 2,501 arrests, raising alarm within the NRJN regarding the racial implications of these arrests. City Manager Scotty Davis responded to these concerns by urging that conclusions should not be drawn solely from statistics without considering the context of individual arrests. The city has emphasized a community-based policing approach aimed at better allocating resources based on reported incidents and community needs.

To promote transparency, the City of Florence has shared the internal investigative file related to Lashley’s incident with SLED. Mayor Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes has indicated that the city cannot comment on the ongoing investigation by SLED until it is completed. Additionally, Lanika Shelly Williams addressed city council members in pursuit of accountability and actions to prevent similar instances from occurring in the future.

A Public Safety Citizens’ Review Board was established in July 2021 to foster transparency and enhance community trust in police and fire department operations. In a move concerning legal proceedings, the city attorney has agreed to dismiss the charge of resisting arrest against Lashley, with Williams expressing her belief that he would be exonerated if the case proceeds to trial.

In a related development, body camera footage of the traffic stop has been provided to a local outlet by Williams, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding the incident and the community’s response.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: Florence Traffic Stop Investigation
• WLBT: Meth Arrest During Traffic Stop
• Mother Jones: Immigration Arrest Law
• The State: South Carolina News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Racial Profiling