CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The intense images of uptown Charlotte from September 2016 are forever etched in the minds of Charlotteans.
Protests over the shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer turned violent, damaging businesses and vehicles.
“I got a little bit of an uneasy feeling that this might be pretty big,” said former CMPD officer Tyler Klemas.
He stayed late and worked on his patrol bike when thousands took to the streets as frustrations mounted between protesters and the police department.
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The former officer said he felt relief after he saw the now-viral photo of Sgt. Chris Frunzi and peace activist Ken Nwadike hugging -- as officers in riot gear looked on.
“The picture itself shows that humanity can come together no matter what,” Klemas said.
Channel 9 used the image in broadcasts as a way to bring people together after the civil unrest. Now, beer giant Anheuser-Busch is capitalizing on the sentiment in a new Super Bowl advertisement set to air Sunday.
“No violent protest is good for anybody, but I think the picture shows people can go above and beyond a disagreement about anything, no matter how small, and come together and simply give someone a hug,” Klemas said.
(Watch the Super Bowl ad below)
But Klemas said there’s more to the story.
Frunzi’s oldest son is in remission after doctors diagnosed him with acute lymphoblastic leukemia about a year ago. The officer’s other son is now receiving chemotherapy for a cancerous brain tumor.
Nwadike created a GoFundMe page and has raised more than $32,000 of the $40,000 goal since April.
Frunzi has taken a leave from CMPD and in a statement, the department told Channel 9 he is “currently spending every waking moment with his family.”
After medical bills for two children, living expenses, and housing, Klemas said the initial $40,000 goal isn’t enough.
[LINK TO SGT. FRUNZI’S GOFUNDME PAGE]
“I tweeted at Budweiser. If they are going to create a commercial that gives this message, this is the perfect opportunity for them to step up and help somebody,” Klemas said.
He wants Budweiser to double down on its message of unity and help the family man they highlight in their Super Bowl ad.
“Out of every bad thing that has happened, there’s always something good that can come out of it,” Lemas said.
Channel 9 reached out to Anheuser-Busch for comment but has not heard back.