Pictures of an L.W. Higgins High School senior’s face covered in blood caused outrage Friday after his family members said he was beaten by a Jefferson Parish deputy.
The violent incident was caught on camera at the Jefferson Parish school and sparked strong protests among students on Friday.
Thursday morning, 18-year-old Jami Coston's mother, Dasuqua Coston, received a FaceTime call from her son. She says she answered, to see Jami's face covered in blood and swollen.
Coston's family members said the incident started when a teacher asked why Jami smelled like cigarettes, then asked for him to be searched. They say that's when a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputy intervened.
According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, school administrators called for the officer to stop the student causing a classroom disturbance.
The sheriff's office said the student was described as "extremely angry and profane."
JPSO said the student started removing his clothing and swearing at the deputy as the officer confronted him.
According to Mrs. Coston, her son said the officer slammed him to the ground, putting his arms behind his back and was screaming.
A student caught part of the incident in a video that was widely circulated on social media. In it, a man is seen falling on top of Jami, then the two hitting the ground.
Jami's mother claims the deputy took her son to his office and physically attacked him. She said that's when her son called her.
JPSO officials said Jami had a minor cut near his left eye and the deputy suffered scrapes on his knee and hand. They say Jami was taken to the deputy's office for paperwork.
The student was then taken to Jefferson Parish Jail and booked for battery on a police officer, resisting an officer, and interfering with an educational facility.
Family members who spoke to WWL-TV say they dispute the JPSO's account of the incident and they say the deputy punched Coston in the school's office.
Following the video circulating online, a chaotic scene broke out at the Marrero school on Friday. That resulted in extra JPSO officers having to be called in.
JPSO officials say two fights broke out during the protest and one student was arrested.
Jami's family says they are now hiring an attorney, and will meet with school officials on Monday.
