A Colorado woman is suing an officer and the chief of the Pueblo Police Department for excessive force. The incident, which occurred in February, was captured on body camera footage. The woman had attempted to evade police in a stolen truck and was approached by the officer. She was forced to the ground and the officer deployed his taser, causing her to yell out in pain. According to the lawsuit, she still experiences numbness and difficulty using her right hand.
Seeking Accountability
The woman’s attorney stated that they are seeking accountability for the officer’s actions. He criticized the fact that the law seems to not apply to individuals in Pueblo, as his client took accountability for her involvement with the stolen vehicle.
Internal Investigation and Violations
An internal investigation found that the officer may have used excessive force. The use of the taser was determined to have violated police policy, and it was discovered that no incidents were reported in 2022. The policy states that excessive use of force results in a minimum one-year suspension.
Officer’s Admission and Retirement
The officer admitted that he and his colleagues needed more training on excessive force, and that he was unfamiliar with the taser. He also mentioned that his actions were related to his uncontrollable anger and temper. The officer recently retired, reportedly in his 30s, after facing multiple issues with excessive force on duty and assault charges off-duty.
Accountability and Resources
This case is just one example of many excessive force cases across the country. Advocates argue that police departments need more resources and funding in order to hire independent investigators who can impartially audit their actions and ensure accountability.