Community comes together after man ran over, killed by DeLand police officer

Marlon Brown, 38, killed during chase

DeLAND, Fla. – It was standing room only inside Greater Union First Baptist Church on Monday night as a community came together demanding answers as to why and how a DeLand police officer ran over and killed a 38-year-old man.

Marlon Brown was killed in the incident, which occurred last week after law enforcement officers tried to pull him over for not wearing a seat belt.

Carolyn Horne, Brown's aunt, said the support for her nephew is overwhelming.

"Perhaps Marlon's death is not in vain, that it has brought us together as a community, as an extended family," said Horne.

Representative Joyce Cusack organized the meeting and said Brown's death is the "tipping point."

"People are just saying to me and calling me, 'Enough is enough.  We need to do something,'" Cusak said.

One by one, people shared their experiences of what they say is systematic racial profiling and excessive force by DeLand police.

"As a community, we have got to stand together and let them know they can't run over us anymore," a community member said.

Many people left hopeful that change will come.

"I think people have been inspired to go out.  We can't just let this die," Gayle Lee said.

A representative from the DeLand Police Department told Local 6 they are concerned about the perception of the community, but are asking for patience while the investigation continues.

The Florida Highway Patrol told Local 6 that the investigation is ongoing and it will be thorough. The agency also said Deland Police Department gave memory cards for both dash cam videos. It's still unclear what that video will show.


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