New Castle County, Delaware officials have released body camera footage of a controversial arrest that took place at a convenience store parking lot in Bear. The incident occurred on Saturday when an officer attempted to pull over a driver for traffic violations, only to discover that the car’s registration was suspended without insurance.
The video shows the officer demanding the woman step out of the car and informing her she is detained, but she refuses. After a back-and-forth exchange, additional officers arrive and the arrest turns physical, with multiple officers seen forcing the woman to the ground.
One officer is shown punching her in the head multiple times, while another officer yells at her to release his foot, which she had grabbed onto. The woman is eventually handcuffed and taken into custody.
New Castle County officials have confirmed that the officers’ conduct is under investigation, with a review of policies, training, and practices related to de-escalation and cultural competency planned in collaboration with the Police Accountability Board.
The woman’s lawyer has stated that the video is being reviewed, and expressed surprise at the release of the footage on a holiday. It is currently unclear what charges, if any, the woman may be facing as a result of the incident.
The release of the body camera footage has sparked debate and calls for accountability, with the incident drawing attention to issues of police conduct and use of force.
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