SEDGWICK COUNTY –A striking worker is facing charges after an arrest while walking the picket line in Wichita.
On Wednesday, Wichita Police Officers were working a special assignment related to the strike activity at Textron Aviation as they have been since the strike began. Officers warned a 64-year-old Nevin Tucker of Wichita two times that morning about her conduct being a violation of a Wichita City Ordinance which prohibits impeding the free flow of traffic on any public street and is a misdemeanor, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.
Tucker, as identified by county booking records, again engaged in conduct that violated City of Wichita Ordinance and was arrested.
Prior to the strike, Wichita Police met with union leadership and Textron management to begin planning to maintain safety and order in our community.
In this instance, a specific individual refused to comply with City Ordinance after being educated at least two times regarding illegal conduct that caused a hazard to the public by quickly stepping into the roadway in front of vehicles.
Wichita Police work to ensure the safety of everyone, including strikers, and preserving order in our community which includes enforcing the city code. During past strikes, there have been incidents of motor vehicle collisions causing death. Additionally, during this strike police have responded to collisions caused by strike activity.
Throughout the strike, police employees and commanders have continued to meet with strike leadership to ensure everyone is aware of applicable City of Wichita Ordinances.
Wichita Police will continue to ensure the safety of strikers, and the general public. Wichita Police are committed to protecting people’s rights as they express their opinions under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and has a duty to enforce applicable laws in order to maintain the safety of everyone in our community.