Former officer Samuel Davis was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison following his conviction for violating the civil rights of Charles Garmon, a handcuffed man he assaulted in July 2023. After detaining Garmon for alleged shoplifting at a Northwoods Walgreens, Davis turned off his body camera, drove the cooperative suspect to a secluded field in Kinloch, and subjected him to a violent attack using pepper spray, a metal baton, and a Taser. A federal jury found Davis guilty of civil rights deprivation under color of law, witness tampering, and falsifying federal records. U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark handed down the decade-long sentence alongside three years of supervised release.
St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: Badge Off, Handcuffs On: Samuel Davis Gets a 10-Year Prison Term After Disabling Camera to Torture Compliant Suspect in Kinloch Field
It was July Fourth in Northwoods when the radio called in,
A shoplift down at Walgreens, where the trouble did begin.
Samuel Davis took the call and placed the man in cuffs—
A victim who complied, but that was never good enough.
Instead of heading to the station, Davis turned the route,
Switched off his body camera so the truth wouldn’t leak out.
Drove deep into Kinloch, to a field dark and bare,
Leaving a helpless man trapped with no way out of there.
He sprayed him with the pepper, struck him hard with metal steel,
Broke his jaw in silence, didn’t care how he would feel.
Then used the Taser on him, made threats upon his life,
Leaving him injured, bleeding, in the middle of the night.
He lied to the dispatcher, said the man was never found,
Left him stranded, isolated, hurting on the ground.
A stranger passing by heard the cries and called for aid,
Exposing every single dark decision that was made.
Now the court delivered justice, and the gavel made it clear:
Ten years in federal prison for the abuse and for the fear.
Deprivation of his rights, tampering, and lies—
When the badge becomes a shield for crime, truth will always rise.
From heartbreaking losses to shocking crimes, these stories paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing our communities. Let’s hope for justice, healing, and a safer tomorrow.
St. Louis Crime Chime: Partnering for a Safer Community
The St. Louis Crime Chime is evolving into a mission-driven organization dedicated to partnering with local public safety agencies and community-focused media, such as The Evening Whirl and Real STL News, to shine a light on social and violence-related issues. Our goal is to provide resources that support both victims and perpetrators of traumatic events, fostering healing and prevention within our community.
Through its St. Louis Crime Chime section. This essential platform empowers residents by highlighting emerging threats and safety concerns, encouraging vigilance and informed decision-making. Beyond reporting, it holds individuals and institutions accountable by keeping arrests and legal proceedings in the public eye, promoting transparency and urging neighbors to protect and support one another.
While the headlines often confront difficult truths, they also serve as a rallying cry for action. By staying informed through reliable sources and official police data, residents can move beyond fear and take an active role in prevention and community-building efforts. Together, we can transform awareness into meaningful change, helping St. Louis write a safer, more hopeful chapter for all.
What You Can Do
- Get Mental Health resources help for you and your family
- For daily updates, check the SLMPD Crime and Investigations page.
- For anonymous tips to the St. Louis police, use the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for free and confidential support. We provide free & confidential support to people in crisis for any reason, 24 hours a day.
- StopBullying.gov: Offers resources and help lines, including options for youth and veterans (Dial 988 then press 1).
- Protect our children: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can.htm
Stay tuned, stay safe, and remember: “If it’s crime you seek, we’ve got the streak.
#PoliceAccountability #StLouisNews #CivilRights
