The band director at Minor High School faces multiple charges after an incident following a game Thursday night.
The Tigers shut out the Jackson-Olin Mustangs 27–0, but another battle on the field started during the third quarter between the two bands. The battle of the bands continued after the game, and that's when police asked both band directors to end the performance.
"Officers were able to get J.O.'s band to stop performing," Birmingham PD said in a press release. "Officers approached Minor High School's (Minor) band director and then began asking him to get his band to stop performing. Minor's band director did not comply with multiple officers' requests to stop his band from performing; he instructed his band to continue performing."
Police said during interactions with the band director, the decision was made to place him in custody. That's when a physical altercation started between the officer, other BPD officers, Birmingham City School System security personnel and the band director.
"During the physical altercation, BPD officers attempted to get the band director to place his hands behind his back, but he refused," Birmingham Police said. "The arresting officer alleges the band director pushed him during the arrest. The arresting officer then subdued the band director with a Taser which ended the physical confrontation."
The band director, Johnny Bernard Mims, 39, of Adamsville, was taken to UAB Hospital as part of standard protocol.
Mims was charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest. After being discharged from the hospital, he was booked into the Birmingham City Jail, where he bonded out.
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin said, "We are aware of the incident that occurred after the Minor and Jackson-Olin football game. I am in the process of gathering all the facts and feel it would be inappropriate to comment further until that process is complete. I urge everyone not to jump to conclusions."
The Birmingham Police Department's Internal Affairs Division is investigating the incident.
Witnesses said the arrest was caught on camera, but 1819 News has not been able to obtain the video. However, video was posted of the drumline battle.
Those witnesses said the incident happened in front of the students. Some reported some students were injured trying to get on the bus to leave the school, and others had panic attacks.
Students said the battle was pre-planned.
This isn't the first incident during an Alabama high school football game this year to make headlines. Other disruptions have included a brawl during the Fairview-Columbia game and a teen bringing a gun to a Huetyown High School game.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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