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JSO officer accused of pointing gun at Jacksonville pastor at traffic stop

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating allegations that one of its officers pointed a gun at a local pastor during a traffic stop.

Reverend Darien Bolden Sr. says he was with his nephew at the time and that he was being questioned about tinted windows. Community leaders are saying this was racial profiling.

The Northside Coalition of Jacksonville is holding an emergency meeting Friday morning about the alleged incident.

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The coalition is calling for the citizen’s review board to investigate police misconduct saying the lives of Bolden and his nephew were put at risk during that recent traffic stop.

Action News Jax received an email from the Northside Coalition that stated "The officer asked for license and registration. And as the pastor began to reach for his license and registration, the officer pulled out his weapon and pointed it in his face."

JSO undersheriff Pat Ivey confirms they’re investigating the incident.

Bolden is the pastor at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach.

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Ben Frazier of the Northside Coalition believes the alleged incident is an abuse of power by a police officer.

Action News Jax told you about Frazier pushing for a citizen’s review board to investigate police misconduct in December 2016.

“The people want to know just what the heck is going on and no one is talking,” said Frazier.

In an email following the alleged traffic stop Frazier, said, “Policy reforms like the Citizens Review Board is the only way to ensure police accountability and prevent incidents like this from occurring.”

JSO has confirmed they are investigating this incident.

"Representative of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office have been in touch with Rev. Dr. Bolden, to discuss last week's event and his concerns and allegations. This matter will be thoroughly investigated by the JSO. We can’t discuss the matter because it is an active investigation," JSO spokesperson Lauri-Ellen Smith said.

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