Protestors Gather Near Spot Where Man was Arrested Over Weekend Before His Death

Some Tuscaloosans are protesting after a man died hours after his arrest over the weekend.

Kendrell Antron Watkins, 31, died in Northport Medical Center more than an hour after he was Tased, arrested and taken there. Watkins was arrested for acting erratically, and told medical personnel he had taken synthetic marijuana earlier that day.

A group of Watkins’ family, friends and supporters gathered at the corner of 15th Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard in Tuscaloosa on Sunday and Monday in protest of his treatment.

At the vigil, many people held signs, laid flowers, and lit candles to show their support for Watkins. A cross was laid at the intersection in his remembrance.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is investigating Watkins’ death. The Tuscaloosa Police officers who were involved in his arrest have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.