Woman may have police brutality, personal injury case

Many times in New York and elsewhere, it is difficult to prove who is at fault in car accidents and other incidents because there is little physical evidence. In some cases, however, liability is almost impossible to deny because the proof is literally caught on tape. One woman’s horrific experience with law enforcement was recorded on a police car dashcam, possibly providing her with the evidence she needs to file a solid personal injury case against the appropriate parties.

The incident occurred in Tallahassee, Florida, during an alleged drunk driving incident. The woman in the case was allegedly apprehended by law enforcement after driving her car into a house. Responding officers conducted a field sobriety test on the woman before handcuffing her and placing her in a patrol vehicle. The entire incident was videotaped on a dashcam.

The petite woman, estimated to be around 5’4” tall, allegedly freed herself from handcuffs while taking a breathalyzer test, prompting officers to force her first over the trunk of the patrol car and then to the ground. Video footage shows the woman screaming and crying as officers placed their weight on her head and back side. The woman ultimately required hospital treatment for bruises, scrapes and a broken cheek bone.

The dashcam footage of the incident, along with the police report, has been released to the public. The video evidence, which shows responding officers mocking the woman as she cried, was reviewed by Florida’s state attorney and several other officials. As a result, the state attorney plans to conduct an investigation and has rescinded assault charges against the woman.

According to the woman’s attorney, she plans to file a suit against the Tallahassee Police Department. The police chief representing that department is apparently conducting his own investigation on the matter.

Source: nydailynews.com, “Face-breaking Florida cops under investigation for DUI arrest,” the Doyle Murphy, September 11, 2013