Montgomery County NOW holds vigil in East Norriton for female victims of excessive force

EAST NORRITON >> The Montgomery County chapter of the National Organization for Women conducted a vigil at the township building before the board of supervisors meeting Tuesday evening to “honor the memories of women killed or abused as the result of police violence, abuse and neglect.”

The vigil paid homage to three women in particular: Rosalyn Atkinson, who died from an overdose of a blood-pressure medication given to her by infirmary personnel at the George W. Hill Correctional Center in Thornton, Delaware County, in 2002; Tanisha Anderson, whose death in police custody while being transported to a mental health care facility in Cleveland last November was ruled a homicide; and Sandra Bland, who died from what the Harris County Texas medical examiners office determined was suicide, July 13, three days after being arrested for a traffic violation.

Bland’s death has garnered national attention and prompted a joint investigation by Texas State Police and the FBI.

Montgomery County NOW also called on township supervisors to investigate an incident involving the alleged use of excessive force by East Norriton police involving the 80-year-old mother of Brian Jones, the vice president of Montgomery County NOW, at her home last month

According to police, no arrest was made as a result of the incident and the case has been closed. Police declined to comment further on the incident, citing restrictions imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

“We’re gathering before the supervisors meeting to raise awareness,” said Jones prior to the vigil, “All these women died in custody or while being transported (by law enforcement).”

Regarding the incident involving his mother, Jones said that he “just wants it investigated.” No formal complaint has been filed against the East Norriton Police Department or any individual officers in the incident involving Jones’ mother.