INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF POLICE OFFICERS

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A DIVISION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

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581 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30314

Telephone: (404) 521-9043 Facsimile: (404) 688-8206

From: Vincent Champion IBPO Regional Director

To: Producers@newschannel9.com; newschronicleinc@aol.com; news@local3news.com;
news@timesfreepress.com; news@wdef.com; news@chattanoogan.com;
lcollins@locals3news.com
Date: September 29, 2022
On September 20, 2022, East Ridge High School officials called Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Deputy and SRO, Tyler McRae, to handle what amounted to handle unruly student, Tauris Sledge.
Though not required to, SRO McRae activated his body camera before he went into the East Ridge High
School gym to monitor discussions between school officials and Mr. Sledge.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department released the entirety of the body camera footage for
the public's review. The video demonstrates Mr. Sledge was angry and combative towards his teachers
and SRO McRae. Mr. Sledge physically crowded his gym coach and called him "a racist motherf-----"
and said that "I will kick your f------ ass." Much time was spent trying to reason with Mr. Sledge but he
continued to resist directives from school personnel and SRO McRae. School officials wanted him gone
from campus due to his belligerent and threatening attitude and Mr. Sledge refused to leave. SRO
McRae, at one point, put his hand on Mr. Sledge's shoulder and to calm him down and Mr. Sledge
responded, "[y]ou've got 5 seconds to get your hands off me."

SRO McRae acted within policy once he became engaged with Mr. Sledge. Mr. Sledge's
continued verbal outbursts and refusal to leave school property elevated the situation to the point
where SRO McRae had no choice but to physically confront Mr. Sledge. The entire video demonstrates
that Mr. Sledge acted defiantly and refused to obey lawful commands.

We encourage the community to watch the entirety of the video and not just the cherry-picked
sections on TikTok and other social media.

I you have any questions please fill free to contact me my cell number is 386-566-1171.