Cop Accused Of Racism After Calling 3 Boys Selling Candy “Three Black Males”

An Oregon police officer has faced accusations of racism after a cellphone video of a stop involving three boys selling candy spread online, with viewers criticizing the officer’s reference to “three Black males.”

The incident happened on September 27 near Starr Avenue and Wheeling Street. The officer had encountered the three juveniles outside a gas station after an employee said they had been told to leave but continued approaching a customer. One of the boys later acknowledged being told not to sell candy there.

Public reactions focused on the officer’s wording, which commenters interpreted as treating the boys as suspicious because they were Black. Replies to a post about the incident argued that the issue was “being Black while doing it.”

Oregon Police Chief Brandon H. Begin released the full body-camera footage on October 8, saying the officer’s wording was under internal review. He also clarified that selling candy is not illegal for juveniles under city ordinance, although businesses can order people to leave private property.

Police said they had received at least 10 calls from late July through early September about juveniles selling candy at gas stations, grocery stores and other businesses. One report alleged that juveniles stole candy boxes from a store and then tried to sell them outside.

The investigation remained open when the footage was released. No charges had been announced.