Residents protest outside Fort Myers mayor’s home over perceived cavity search

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- After protesting at the Fort Myers Police Department and at city hall, angry members of the Dunbar community on Saturday marched along Shadow Lane, where Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson lives.

“We’re not interested in our leaders blaming,” said protest leader Anthony Thomas. “We pay them good money to bring solutions.”

Anthony Thomas led protesters to Mayor Henderson’s driveway Saturday, as they chanted “No justice, no peace, no racist police.”

He says their anger is fueled by city leaders lack of response to FMPD’s conduct over the last few weeks.

Earlier this week, Todd Chrisp, an outspoken member of the Dunbar community, took to Facebook to post a video that shows officers searching Michael McDonald.

He says those officers conducted an illegal cavity search on McDonald before arresting him.

Saturday morning, neighbors had their yards taped off, in anticipation of these protesters.

“I’m not crazy about it, but it’s their constitutional right, and they’re being peaceful,” said neighbor Jeff Campbell.

He stopped to ask protesters why they chose to protest at Henderson’s home, and says he wanted to get their side of the story.

“I don’t believe the police in this town are racist,or are doing anything wrong” said neighbor Jeff Campbell. “I think we’ve had a lot of shootings in this community and the police are doing what they need to, to try and catch the bad guys.”

Chief Dennis Eads says his officers did not conduct a cavity search on McDonald, but found drugs on him prior to his arrest. McDonald has been arrested 29 times, and was recently released from prison.

“I don’t think all police officers is are bad police officers,” said Chrisp. “Just some officers go above their badges out there in the field when they’re patrolling the Dunbar community.”

Protesters stayed in front of Henderson’s home until just before 3:00PM.

Henderson said on Friday he welcomes them to his office to address their issues.

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