Protesters Call For Tulsa County Deputies' Jobs

Protesters took to Tulsa streets again Friday evening, this time they asked the Tulsa County Sheriff to fire two deputies.

Friday, April 17th 2015, 11:29 pm

By: News On 6


Protesters took to Tulsa streets again Friday evening, this time they asked the Tulsa County Sheriff to fire two deputies.

They yelled, "Bless my breath," in reference to what was said in the video of Eric Harris's shooting. The protesters were upset that there hasn't been any apology or plan of action from the sheriff.

Protesters called for the termination of Tulsa County Sheriff's deputies, Joseph Byars and Michael Huckeby, who held Harris down after he was shot.

"F**k your breath," you can hear in video from the Harris shooting.

The sheriff's office said the deputies didn't know Harris had just been shot when the phrase was said, but protesters like Lakeisha Carroll said that's no excuse.

"I believe the words that were expressed, that were said, is not humane. They treated him like he was an animal. You don't treat a human-being like that," she said.

Amber Hopson also wants the deputies removed from the force.

"Cause it's wrong," she said. “It's wrong."

Meanwhile, people are still reacting to the contents of an affidavit that claims top officials at the sheriff's office conspired to fake Bates' training.

Keep Up With The TCSO Reserve Deputy Shooting Controversy

It states at least two deputies were asked "to sign off on official field training that [deputies] knew had never taken place."

When deputies refused the affidavit states they were "transferred to less desirable positions."

Bates' attorney, Clark Brewster, said the affidavit comes from Warren Crittenden, who is in jail on a murder charge.

"I'm calling it not only a disgruntled employee, but a motivated employee represented by the same lawyers that represent the family, alleged victim, in this case," Brewster said.

Crittenden's attorney, Brett Swab, said he is credible and Brewster shouldn't be so quick to judge.

"To me, it's nothing more than a show to try to side track what the real issue is," Swab said.

Protesters like Andrew Johnson think the real issue is racism and law enforcement's abuse of power.

"It's about time for the blacks and everybody, all the ethnic communities, to stand up because it's been like this for a long time now," Johnson said.

Friday, the sheriff's office launched a campaign called "We're Listening," to clear up what they call confusion from local and national media outlets.

4/17/2015 Related Story: Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Launch 'We're Listening' Campaign

You can ask questions of the sheriff's office by emailing questions@tcso.org.

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