Groves, Texas Couple Alleges Racial Profiling After Woman Ticketed for Sidewalk Violation While Retrieving Dog, Sparking Concerns Over Police Bias and Excessive Force in Small-Town Law Enforcement Practices

GROVES, TX — April 8, 2025 — A recent incident in Groves, Texas, has sparked serious allegations of racial profiling after a local couple, Akia and Brad Townes, was involved in an encounter with law enforcement over a minor sidewalk violation. Akia Townes was ticketed for walking on the wrong side of the road while attempting to retrieve her dog, a situation that has raised concerns about excessive police force, racial bias, and the treatment of Black individuals by local authorities.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place on a Wednesday afternoon when Akia Townes was walking along Madison Boulevard, just a short distance from her home. She was on the road, retrieving her dog that had gotten loose, when she was stopped by two police officers. The officers cited her for walking on the right side of the road, a violation of the Texas Transportation Code, which requires pedestrians to walk on the left side when there is no sidewalk.

Brad Townes, Akia’s husband, who was walking with her at the time, began recording the interaction on his phone. In the video, Brad can be heard commenting on the situation, saying, “You can’t walk while Black in Groves.” This statement has drawn attention to the couple’s perception that their treatment by law enforcement was influenced by racial bias.

Allegations of Racial Profiling

The couple has since alleged that the ticketing was an act of racial profiling. Their attorney, Langston Adams, has raised concerns about the selective enforcement of the law, noting that Brad, who is white, was not ticketed despite walking on the same side of the road as his wife. The Townes family believes that Akia was unfairly singled out due to her race.

Akia Townes spoke out about her experience, explaining how the situation escalated unnecessarily. “It felt like an overreaction to something that wasn’t even a serious violation,” she said. “I was just trying to get my dog back, and suddenly, I’m treated like a criminal.”

Law Enforcement’s Response

In response to the allegations, Groves City Marshal Chris Robin acknowledged the incident and emphasized that the police department is committed to serving all residents equally. He noted that while the officers’ approach may have seemed forceful, they were simply enforcing the law regarding pedestrian safety.

Marshal Robin also shared statistical data, stating that since the beginning of 2023, eight individuals have been ticketed for this same violation. Of those eight, five were white, two were Asian, and one was Black. While this data does not necessarily refute the couple’s claims, it does highlight the department’s assertion that the ticketing was not racially motivated.

Community Reaction and Legal Actions

The Townes’ encounter with law enforcement has sparked a heated debate, especially on social media, where many have voiced concerns about racial bias in policing. Several local residents have expressed their support for the couple, calling for greater accountability from the Groves Police Department.

The couple’s attorney has announced plans to contest the ticket, citing what they believe to be an unjust and overly aggressive response to a minor violation. They are also calling for a public apology from the Groves Police Department for the way the situation was handled.

Broader Implications

This incident has reignited conversations about racial profiling and police conduct, particularly in small-town America. It underscores the ongoing issues many Black individuals face when interacting with law enforcement and highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in police practices.

As the case progresses, both the legal community and the public are watching closely to see how the situation is resolved. The Townes family, meanwhile, remains determined to speak out against what they believe was an unjust and racially biased encounter.

For now, the focus is on ensuring that incidents like this are addressed appropriately and that the voices of those who feel marginalized are heard. The couple’s actions in contesting the ticket may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about fairness, equity, and police conduct in Groves and beyond.