On August 3rd, 2023, a First Amendment auditor and constitutional rights activist was assaulted by a repo agent in a Walmart parking lot in Southaven, Mississippi. The altercation unfolded as the activist attempted to intervene in a vehicle repossession, seeking to prevent a citizen’s car from being towed. The incident, which was captured on video and later shared online, escalated quickly and raised serious questions about the response of local law enforcement.
The video footage shows the activist, Matthew Reardon, engaging with the repo agent, questioning the legality of the repossession. As tensions rose, the repo agent allegedly resorted to physical force, attacking the activist. The confrontation drew the attention of Walmart patrons and bystanders, some of whom recorded the encounter on their phones.
Despite the apparent urgency of the situation, it reportedly took between 10 and 15 minutes for the first Southaven police officer to arrive on the scene. By the time law enforcement fully responded, the number of officers had ballooned significantly, suggesting an escalation that some critics argue was unnecessary.
Supporters of the Reardon claim that the police response was inefficient and indicative of a broader issue: a failure to uphold constitutional rights. The argument stems from the belief that, had officers honored their oath to the Constitution, the situation could have been de-escalated more quickly and efficiently. Instead, the drawn-out response fueled tensions and created a larger scene than necessary.
The incident raises concerns about the priorities of law enforcement in such situations. Critics argue that rather than addressing an alleged assault against a citizen exercising their rights, officers were more focused on maintaining control over the situation in a manner that some see as excessive.
First Amendment auditors often test the limits of constitutional rights in public spaces, recording their encounters with law enforcement, security personnel, and government officials. Their goal is to ensure accountability and transparency. However, their activities frequently lead to contentious interactions, particularly when they challenge authority or intervene in civil matters, such as repossessions.
This case is a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding constitutional rights, law enforcement duties, and public accountability. Was the repo agent within his rights to act as he did? Did the police fail in their duty to protect a citizen from an alleged assault? These are the questions that remain at the heart of the controversy.
The video of the incident continues to circulate online, sparking discussions about police response times, First Amendment rights, and the role of private repo agents. Whether any legal action will follow remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this confrontation has fueled further scrutiny of law enforcement and their role in protecting constitutional freedoms.
For those interested in watching the full video, it is available here: YouTube Link.
1st Amendment Auditor Files Complaints Against Southaven Police, Allegedly Locked in Room During Internal Affairs Meeting
On Friday, August 4th, 2023, just a day after being assaulted by a repo agent in a Walmart parking lot, First Amendment auditor Matthew Reardon took his grievances to the Southaven Police Department. There, he met with Lieutenant Don Barr, head of the department’s Internal Affairs division, to file complaints against all responding officers—except for one.
What started as a routine complaint process soon took a bizarre turn. According to Reardon, as he was filling out the Internal Affairs paperwork, Lieutenant Barr left the room. Upon finishing his report, Reardon attempted to leave but discovered that the door was locked from the outside, effectively turning the room into a detention cell. This unexpected confinement raised serious legal and constitutional concerns, as it meant Reardon was being held against his will without cause.
The allegation that a citizen was locked inside a room at the police department raises potential issues regarding unlawful detainment. Critics argue that if this was intentional, it could constitute a violation of Reardon’s civil rights. The incident, if confirmed, could suggest an attempt to intimidate or pressure Reardon during the complaint process, further fueling concerns about law enforcement misconduct.
Eventually, Lieutenant Barr returned, and Reardon was able to finalize his actions regarding the previous day’s assault. He officially signed criminal charges against Taylor Douget, the repo agent who allegedly attacked him. Afterward, Reardon was sworn in by a clerk, and a probable cause hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, August 9th, 2023.
Reardon’s experience at the Southaven Police Department has only intensified the controversy surrounding the incident. Supporters argue that his treatment further demonstrates a disregard for constitutional rights among local law enforcement, particularly regarding transparency and accountability.
The probable cause hearing set for August 9th could be the next pivotal moment in this unfolding case. If the court finds sufficient evidence, Douget may face formal charges for his alleged assault on Reardon. Meanwhile, the complaints filed against the responding officers could lead to internal investigations—though skepticism remains about whether the department will hold its own accountable.
As the case develops, many will be watching to see whether justice is served or whether this becomes yet another example of systemic issues within law enforcement.
Reardon Files Records Requests at Southaven City Hall Following Internal Affairs Complaints
Immediately after filing internal affairs complaints against Southaven police officers and signing criminal charges against repo agent Taylor Douget, First Amendment auditor Reardon took the next step in his pursuit of accountability. On August 4th, 2023, he walked across the street to Southaven City Hall and entered the City Clerk’s Office, where he formally requested public records related to the Walmart parking lot incident from the previous day.
Public Records Request for Transparency
Reardon specifically requested:
• The 911 call made in connection with the altercation
• All available officer body camera footage from the responding officers
• Any police reports generated regarding the incident
These requests, shown in what is labeled as Part 3 of his documentation, aim to provide an unfiltered view of law enforcement’s actions during and after the incident.
Public records laws typically allow citizens access to 911 recordings, body cam footage, and police reports, but law enforcement agencies sometimes delay or deny such requests under various exemptions. Common justifications include ongoing investigations, privacy concerns, or claims that the release could compromise law enforcement procedures.
Given Reardon’s history as a First Amendment auditor and his public advocacy for government transparency, any delays or denials of these records may further fuel allegations of misconduct or lack of accountability within the Southaven Police Department.
With a probable cause hearing scheduled for August 9th regarding the assault charges against Douget, Reardon’s requested materials could play a critical role in the legal process. Additionally, any body cam footage or 911 recordings could either support or contradict Reardon’s claims about the officers’ handling of the situation.
If the records request is fulfilled promptly, the footage and reports may shed light on the conduct of both the police and the repo agent. If the city resists releasing the documents, it could lead to further legal battles and public scrutiny over transparency in Southaven’s law enforcement practices.
This developing story continues to raise significant questions about police accountability, citizens’ rights, and the accessibility of public records.
The public needs to truly weigh in on their opinions of what all is really going on here. And for those who pick the right reasons redress, redress them in a responsible way. The Southaven Police Department number is 662-393-8654 for easy finding.
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