WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — An altercation with police officers led to arrests during a planned peaceful protest in West Mifflin on Sunday.
Terrel “TJ” Byars Jr., 13, was fatally struck by a vehicle along Kennywood Boulevard back in December. His family organized a protest on Sunday in his memory and to advocate for change.
RELATED COVERAGE >>> Family of teen boy hit, killed by vehicle in West Mifflin searching for answers
A Channel 11 crew was there as protesters held signs, chanted and made their way along the street. But at some point, the situation escalated.
“Me, the mother, maced for no reason,” said Naomi White, TJ’s mom.
According to West Mifflin Police Chief Gregory McCulloch, the department was notified of an “unplanned protest” that began at the Duquesne police station.
McCulloch says about 50 to 60 people were walking along Route 837 and blocking traffic, leading to multiple complaints.
Officers responded to remove the people from the roadway, but some individuals “got a little aggressive,” McCulloch says.
Ultimately, pepper spray was used to disperse the crowd, and four people were taken into custody, McCulloch says. Those individuals were taken to the West Mifflin police station for processing.
No individuals were taken to the hospital. McCulloch says one officer sustained minor injuries, and some protesters were treated for pepper spray exposure.
“I spoke to the young man’s mother,” McCulloch said. “I just told her if she had reached out to me, we could have made arrangements to make this a safe protest. ... All they’ve got to do is contact me, and West Mifflin police would be more than helpful in making this a safe, peaceful thing.”
Naomi White says the protest was supposed to be peaceful, with many of TJ’s friends and family in attendance.
“I wanted to do a peaceful protest so I could get answers, so I could get my voice heard about what’s going on with my son, because I’m not getting the answers that I want and that I need, to get the peace that I need in my heart and in my household,” White said.
Sunday’s protest started at the Duquesne police station and ended at the Speedway near Glenn Street and Kennywood Boulevard, where TJ was hit and killed.
“We were peaceful, walking with children,” White said. “To mace us? Ridiculous. I came here to get my justice for my son. I deserve that, he deserves that, he deserved that. He’s an innocent kid.”
Family members say TJ’s dad, uncle and two other relatives were the people who were arrested.
West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly issued this statement on the incident:
“The West Mifflin Police Department along with neighboring departments responded to a planned information march on Kennywood Boulevard. Had our police department been notified in advance, the Department would have arranged an escort to help ensure the safety of everyone involved. In this instance, the Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and the family have remained in contact since the tragic accident. We recognize that people grieve in different ways, and for some, bringing their grief into the public sphere can be part of the process of seeking understanding and closure. However, civil disorder does not serve that purpose and instead creates barriers where compassion and unity should exist. Our Department continues to work closely with the family as they endure the unimaginable loss of a child. As a community, we all feel the weight of such tragedies. Many of us are parents ourselves, and each loss touches us deeply. Our thoughts remain with the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
We have a crew on scene. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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