Not every detail.
But enough.
Two years earlier, Harmon had recommended a formal performance review after Cross accumulated another cluster of complaints involving discretionary stops.
The recommendation never became discipline.
A lieutenant above her wrote that Cross had completed prior remedial training and should be given the opportunity to demonstrate improvement.
Harmon remembered reading the memo twice.
Opportunity to demonstrate improvement.
The phrase irritated her then.
It infuriated her now.
She parked.
Activated her body camera.
Approached.
“Cross.”
He turned.
“Sarge.”
“What happened?”
“Caller reported a Black male checking vehicle doors. I located him near this BMW. He’s refusing to cooperate and claiming to be a federal prosecutor.”
Harmon looked at James.
He stood several feet away with both hands visible.
The trunk of the BMW remained open.
Inside were neatly arranged grocery bags.
A receipt was visible.
On the hood sat an official-looking DOJ credential case.
Harmon picked it up.
She examined it.
“Sir, your name?”
“James Mitchell.”
“Occupation?”
“Assistant United States Attorney, Northern District of Georgia.”
“How long?”
“Fifteen years.”
Harmon turned toward Cross.
“Did you verify this?”
“He could have—”
“Did you verify it?”
“No.”
She walked to her vehicle, used department channels, and contacted the appropriate federal switchboard information.
Several minutes later, verification came back.
James Mitchell.
Assistant United States Attorney.
Active employee.
Everything consistent.
Harmon returned.
“These credentials are valid.”
Cross said nothing.
Harmon pointed toward the BMW.
“The vehicle is registered to him.”
Benton nodded.
“I already confirmed.”
Harmon looked toward the store.
“Did anybody review the security cameras?”
“No,” Cross said.
“Did anybody ask store management whether they saw him inside?”
“No.”
“Did the caller give a plate?”
“No.”
“Specific vehicle?”
“No.”
“Specific theft?”
“No.”
Harmon looked at James.
“Mr. Mitchell, I’m Sergeant Denise Harmon. I am ending the detention. You are free to leave.”
James did not move.
“Thank you.”
Harmon continued.
“I would like to ask what happened, voluntarily, if you’re willing.”
“I am.”
Cross shifted.
Harmon noticed.
“Officer Cross, do not interrupt.”
James described everything.
The command to step away.
The statement that he matched the description.
The contradictory commands regarding documents.
The dismissal of his grocery receipt.
The demand for credentials.
The claim that his DOJ identification might be fake.
The call for backup.
Harmon listened without expression.