DT Patriots Christian Barmore accused Providence police of acting in an “unprofessional” and racist manner during a traffic stop on Wednesday. However, body camera footage released by PPD appears to tell a different story.
“Just experienced for the first time 5 Providence Police Officers being very unprofessional racists at their best,” the 25-year-old former X second-round pick wrote at 1:22 a.m. in a since-deleted tweet, describing the incident as he saw it.
TMZ Sports contacted the Providence (RI) Police Department and requested body camera footage worn by police.
The footage begins with Barmore’s Jeep Grand Cherokee already stopped on the side of a road at 12:53 p.m…. when two police officers approached Christian’s vehicle.
“I’m a football player. I’m not here for any of that. I’m going to sleep, so why are you stopping me for no reason?” Christian asked. “No one has speed or anything like that. If I really wanted to, I would have surpassed you.”
When officers looked at his paperwork, they discovered the vehicle he was driving was not registered, so they told the former University of Alabama star they would have to tow it.
But Christian didn’t accept it, saying: “You’re not taking my car.”
CB and the officers went back and forth, with one officer saying, “I activated my lights on a street behind him, he didn’t stop for about 5 minutes after I activated my lights.”
The officer continued… “I can’t read this sign. You act like I’m harassing you for no reason. I stop you, I approach you. I’m trying to explain myself and you’re here giving me attitude and throwing papers at me .”
“No one throws papers at you, cousin. I gave them to you,” Barmore responded, adding, “I’m not getting out of my car. I’m not doing that!”
After some more questions about whether a supervisor was responding to the scene, PPD tried again to get him to exit the vehicle.
“Your car will be towed anyway. How the rest of things go depends on your behavior,” a police officer told Christian.
More arguments ensued… and when Barmore tried to close the window, the officers opened the door, causing the attacker to yell, “I dare you to touch me, (n-word).”
Moments later, Christian got out of the car but wasn’t happy, telling the officers… “stop touching me, boy. Stop touching me, boy.”
Things calmed down momentarily when the 6’5″, 315-pound Barmore stepped away from his Jeep, allowing police to search the car.
PPD, in an incident report we obtained, says they located a “blunt” object as well as “several pipes filled with marijuana.”
After searching the vehicle, and before the tow truck arrived, police say Barmore, who was not in custody, left the scene in another vehicle. He was allowed to go.
Regarding allegations of racism, the PPD supports the actions of its leaders.
“We understand that any encounter with law enforcement can be stressful, however, it is important to note that law enforcement officers are required to enforce all applicable laws, including those relating to vehicle registration,” a spokesperson told us.
Barmore received three citations…operation of unregistered vehicle, driving with expired registration and obscure license plates. He was not charged with marijuana.
CB’s car was towed to the local impound yard.