LEWISTON, Maine — A viral social media post showing a Black man being arrested in Lewiston for alleged disorderly conduct and other charges has recently come under public scrutiny.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, 30-year-old Kom Maiwan, of Lewiston, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, and failure to provide correct name, according to a news release from the Lewiston Police Department.
Maiwan was reportedly brought to the Androscoggin County Jail and released on bail.
“I, as a black male, am allowed to make a mistaken even if it’s approaching an officer,” explained Maiwan.
A widely circulated social media clip shared by TikTok creator TizzyEnt alleges Maiwan was targeted and followed by police officers while he was walking home from work. The post then states that Maiwan allegedly confronted the officers regarding their behavior, leading to his arrest.
“You’re putting fear in the community," Maiwan said about the officer that arrested him. "People are scared. If I’m feeling uncomfortable, I can imagine what other people are feeling.”
Police said in the news release that "while [they] understand, acknowledge, and validate that the short clip may appear disturbing, it is not fully inclusive of all facts and circumstances of the interaction leading up to the arrest."
The police officer captured in the video clip, Parker Simoneau, was reportedly "in the company of one of [the Lewiston Police Department's] 'Project Support You' counselors; actively engaging with clients with the expectation of confidentiality, when Mr. Maiwan approached them; interfering with their outreach efforts," according to the news release.
“I believe there are biases within [Simoneau], culturally," Maiwan said. "I believe in the community he comes from he’s nervous. He’s a timid officer.”
The Lewiston Police Department is reportedly conducting an investigation into a complaint from Maiwan regarding Simoneau's conduct. The investigative report will be forwarded to the Maine Attorney General's Office for review upon completion.
Maiwan told NEWS CENTER Maine he respects law enforcement and never meant to interfere with their work. He said he hopes this all starts a conversation about policing.
“I’m ashamed, I’m hurt," he said. "I want to push for more accountability and transparency. I want to use this to help my community.”
A GoFundMe has been set up following Maiwan's arrest, identifying him as a teacher at a local school.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.