Jay-Z's label Roc Nation offers legal support for Phoenix family involved in shocking police incident

'There is no place for that behaviour in our world – let alone our justice system – and we are calling for the immediate termination of the police officers in question'

Jay-Z’s record label has reportedly hired a lawyer to take on the case of the Phoenix, Arizona family pursuing legal action after police drew their guns over a shoplifting incident.

The incident, which took place in May, involved Dravon Ames, 22, his fiancée Iesha Harper, 24, and their two young children. The family were shopping at Family Dollar when, unbeknownst to the parents, their four-year-old daughter took a $1 Barbie doll from the store. The couple claim that upon leaving and driving to an apartment complex, they were approached by a police office who threatened to kill them.

In footage that sparked international outrage, the officers are shown with their guns drawn as they yell at the couple. Ms Harper, who was holding her daughter during the altercation, is heard telling the officer she is pregnant but he continues to yell and point the gun at her.

Despite department rules that require police to wear body cameras, the Phoenix officers were not wearing them, the claim says. The incident was recorded by passers-by.

“I’m going to put a cap in your a**,” one officer said to Mr Ames as a second policeman, whose weapon was also drawn and pointed at Mr Ames, walked up to the car, according to the video.

“I’m going to shoot you in your f***ing face.”

According to a Fox News 10 report published on Saturday (15 June), the couple have filed a $10 million lawsuit and plan to pursue child neglect complaints against the officers. They are accusing the officers of battery, false arrest, unlawful imprisonment and causing emotional distress. The city’s police department has also been accused of violating the young parents’ civil rights.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego released a statement: “I, like many others, am sick over what I have seen in the video depicting Phoenix police interacting with a family and young children,” she wrote on Facebook. "It was completely inappropriate and clearly unprofessional.

“There is no situation in which this behaviour is ever close to acceptable. As a mother myself, seeing these children placed in such a terrifying situation is beyond upsetting.”

Roc Nation‘s managing director of philanthropy, Dania Diaz, also issued a damning statement, via AZCentral.

“There is no place for that behaviour in our world – let alone our justice system – and we are calling for the immediate termination of the police officers in question,” she said.

“We are committed to supporting the family to ensure that justice is served.”