Robby Tolan, son of former baseball player Bobby Tolan, listened yesterday to opening arguments in the case that involved a Bellaire, Texas police officer who is accused of shooting him.
Here’s what happened, allegedly: Sgt. Jeff Cotton was investigating a stolen vehicle report. It was New Year’s Eve, 2am, when Robby and his cousin exited from a Nissa Xterra his family’s driveway. His parents heard a commotion, according to reports, and came out of their house to investigate. Once they realized that the officers thought their car was stolen, they assured the officers that Robby was their son, with his cousin and everything was fine.
The officers, allegedly, pushed Mrs. Tolan and Robby reacted. When Robby reacted, Stg. Jeff Cotton shot Robby Tolan.
Robby’s attorney is calling it racial profiling and aggravated assault by a peace officer. Sgt. Cotton’s attorney is saying his reaction was trigger by the stressful situation.
Read more about this story at www.blackamericaweb.com and post your thoughts. Racial profiling or was the officer doing his job?
