It was a typical evening at Bar: PM in St. Louis, Missouri, until the unexpected happened. An SUV, driven by Officer Ramelle Wallace, crashed into the establishment, marking the beginning of a series of troubling events. The bar, a popular spot in the LGBTQ community, suddenly became the center of a heated encounter between the police and the bar owner, James Pence.
Pence, who was at the scene, was asked for his identification by Wallace. Standing his ground, Pence refused, asserting that he had done nothing wrong. This refusal to comply sparked a confrontation, quickly escalating as Wallace handcuffed Pence for allegedly causing a “disturbance.” This exchange, captured on video by an onlooker, shows the tense moments that unfolded.
Javad Khazaeli, the attorney representing Pence, shed light on the legal intricacies of such encounters. He emphasized that individuals have the right to question an officer’s actions and are not obligated to provide identification unless there is probable cause for a crime. The situation intensified with the arrival of Pence’s husband and co-owner, Chad Morris. His inquiries about the arrest led to his own confrontation with the police, culminating in his arrest and charges that were later reduced.
The incident raises serious questions about police conduct, especially given Wallace’s history of similar accusations. The refusal of the St. Louis Police Department to release body camera footage further adds to the controversy, sparking calls for transparency and accountability.
As the community and activists rally around Bar: PM and its owners, this incident stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil liberties and fair treatment by law enforcement, particularly in LGBTQ spaces.