Most police officers in New York and across the country are professionals who are dedicated to protecting people. However, some can make controversial decisions that are not merited by the situation. For example, a woman in another state has recently filed a police misconduct lawsuit as a result of what she describes as "excessive force."
According to court documents, the now 36-year-old woman had been participating in a peaceful protest against police brutality prior to her arrest. Although officers say she was stopped because she was walking in the street, blocking traffic, video footage of the incident allegedly reveals a different scenario. The plaintiff, a member of the school board, claims that she was walking with a man on a sidewalk when an officer approached them, Tasing the man from behind.
When she protested, she alleges that she was then Tased. She was unable to put her hands behind her back as requested by the officer due to pain, which allegedly prompted the officer to use the Taser again. Court papers claim that she was electrified continuously until she was placed in handcuffs. She was ultimately acquitted of the charges. Her lawsuit alleges that she was falsely arrested and unlawfully shocked; she is seeking unspecified damages.
Despite her ordeal, the woman claims that she is still committed to fighting against police misconduct. Likely for her, a civil suit is a step toward holding police officers and their employers accountable for unlawful behavior. Unfortunately, incidents such as these happen all over the country, including in New York. For some, civil litigation may be the only path to justice.
Source: New York Daily News, "St. Louis woman sues police, claiming unlawful Taser use during her arrest at a 2015 protest", Megan Cerullo, June 1, 2017
No Comments
Leave a comment