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Police Spark Outrage By Posing With Suspect After Manhunt

Police Spark Outrage By Posing With Suspect After Manhunt

The photo has been slammed for being 'dehumanising' and has been compared to one taken after a 'big hunt'

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Four US police officers have been criticised for posing with a suspect following a manhunt.

Eric Boykin was arrested in Prentiss, Mississippi, on Tuesday for allegedly robbing a bank and fleeing the scene.

His arrest came after a manhunt involving numerous law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

He was eventually found in a wooded area near the bank, WLBT reports.

Following his arrest, the four officers who caught him posed for a bizarre photo alongside Boykin and their police dogs.

WLBT

In the snap, Boykin, who is shirtless, can be seen smiling at the camera - while two of the officers also appear to be smiling.

However, the photo, which was first published by WLBT, has sparked a backlash with some social media user accusing them of dehumanising the suspect and comparing it to the sort of image you'd pose for after a 'big hunt'.

One person wrote: "This picture has a very unsettling 'big game hunt' vibe.

"Like, how did it come about? 'Hey guys, gather 'round so we can remember this moment, bring the dogs!' I hope I'm wrong."

Another commented: "Omg. The cops look like they are posing with a lion or deer they shot. This is f***** up."

A third person posted: "And who would be considered the 'animal' in this 'big game' hunt? And is there a history of dehumanising and likening black people to animals? If that is the mindset of these officers - taking a picture of their 'trophy', then it is most certainly about race."

Prentiss Police Investigator Richard Browning told the Daily Mail the officers involved were not part of his department, and also condemned the photo.

He told the news outlet: "I didn't even know about the photo until reporters started calling me. It's unfortunate. I agree that it's in poor taste."

WLBT reports the ATF, FBI, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the Louisiana State Prison System K9 team, the Rankin County Sheriff's Department, Columbia Police Department were all involved in the manhunt, among other agencies.

The four officers have yet to be identified despite the outlet reaching out to 'multiple agencies' involved.

Boykin is being charged with armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Featured Image Credit: WLBT

Topics: US News, crime