SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A South Fulton family is demanding answers after their son with autism died following a confrontation with Bojangles' employees and police.
It happened Saturday night at the location off Fulton Industrial Boulevard.
According to attorneys for the family, there was an altercation between Anthony Mitchell and employees at the Bojangles' restaurant, after they asked the 19-year-old to leave the establishment after he was reportedly unable to pay for food.
The family claimed police responded and used "excessive force" in trying to detain and arrest Mitchell, and EMTs did little to assist. A police report, however, tells a different story, saying officers struggled to calm Mitchell, who they said spit blood at the officers and repeatedly banged his body against the door of the restaurant.
A photo surfaced, showing Mitchell handcuffed on the ground with an apparent bag over his head. Police said they used it to help calm him down. The teen's mother was called, and eventually released to her, but when they got home, family said he turned cold and clammy and later died at home, following the confrontation.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office said on Monday that the exact cause of Mitchell's death has yet to be determined. The office is awaiting additional testing before they can make that determination, but family has since hired an attorney.
Family gathered outside the same restaurant Monday night, where they grieved the loss of Mitchell.
Photos: Candlelight vigil for Anthony Mitchell
"He was always nice to us," said one of Mitchell's younger siblings.
But the vigil was overshadowed by anger and frustration.
"Enough is enough! We are sick of these vigils!" exclaimed Michael Harper, the family's attorney. "We are sick and tired of our young black men being killed and being taken granted by the police. It has to stop."
Anthony Mitchell's mother Shanita Swanson said her son's death should never have happened, and underscores the way people with autism are misunderstood.
"Once you understand them and get to deal with them or even back away and give them their space then they would be okay," she said during the vigil.
They are now searching for answers, seeking to understand what led to their son's death.
Meanwhile, people in attendance spoke kindly of Mitchell, who they described as a sweet person, who may have experienced outbursts, but would never intend harm.
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