Kirkland Offers 'Apologies' After Black Man Booted From Menchie's

KIRKLAND, WA - Kirkland police and city officials are saying that officers who responded to a Menchie's earlier this month on a report of an unwanted black man at a frozen yogurt shop may not have met department expectations. The officials are also issuing a formal apology to the black man who had to leave a Totem Lake Menchie's after the owner called police on him.

The responding officers "did not meet the expectations of our community or the high standards we set for ourselves," a joint statement from City Manager Nathan Triplett and Chief Cherie Harris released Monday reads.

Byron T. Ragland, a social worker, was at the Totem Lake Menchie's on Nov. 7 supervising a visit between a mother and her teenage son. Employees there called the store's owner, Ramon Cruz, to report that Ragland's presence was making them uncomfortable.

According to a 911 call, Cruz called police to report Raglund because he hadn't purchased anything and looked "suspicious."

When Kirkland police responded, they told Ragland that he was making people uncomfortable. Ragland and the people he with left the store.

"Mr. Ragland and the other individuals with him were left feeling unwelcome in Kirkland. No one regrets this more than the men and women of the Kirkland Police Department. We are truly sorry," the city's statement from Monday reads.

Cruz has also apologized to Ragland. Protesters have been demonstrating outside his store since Ragland's story came to light.

"We humbly apologize to Mr. Ragland for what he experienced during his visit. We would also like to humbly apologize to everyone, as events such as these affect our community," a sign posted on the Totem Lake Menchie's door reads.

The store was closed on Tuesday for staff training.

Kirkland detectives are investigating the incident. They presented preliminary findings to city officials on Monday.

"Rest assured, we will continue our commitment to provide ongoing training to our officers to ensure the highest possible level of service to our community. We will evaluate our policies and practices, and change what needs to fixed. We will learn from our mistakes and continue doing the hard work necessary to maintain the highest standards," the statement said.

Image courtesy Kirkland police

Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled Ragland's last name.