Plain Old Justice

Cops Broke Elbow, Dislocated Shoulder

Of Demented Woman, 73, Lawsuit Alleges

By K W. Locke

A frail 73-year-old woman has sued the Loveland, Colorado police department.  Her lawyer alleges that police broke her elbow and dislocated her shoulder when they arrested her.

According to the attorney, the woman suffers from dementia and from aphasia, disorders which impair her ability to communicate.  Police arrested her after she left Walmart without paying for an item that cost less than 14 dollars.

Cops Appear To Be Laughing

The lawyer released video of her arrest and booking and called attention to one portion, in which officers appear to be laughing while discussing the woman's injuries.   The federal lawsuit alleges that the police used excessive force and that they detained her for hours without providing her access to medical care.

The woman's attorney also points to one of the videos as evidence that the officers knew they had harmed the woman.  According to the lawyer, the officers did not disclose on the paperwork that she

 had suffered an injury which should have received medical treatment.

 

 Lawsuits against police for use of excessive force typically cite a federal statute enacted soon after the Civil War to protect the civil rights of people previously enslaved.    However, the complaint in this case, filed on behalf of a woman with dementia and aphasia, also invoked the Americans With Disabilities Act.

 

Under Investigation

A Loveland Police Department spokesman said one of the officers involved has been placed on administrative leave and two others have been assigned administrative duties while the matter is investigated.

 

The police department released a statement acknowledging that the video was difficult to watch.  "We understand your concerns," the statement said, "and the seriousness of the allegations in the lawsuit, and are taking a full account of all the questions and concerns raised."

Banner:  Frame from a video recorded by a surveillance camera at the Lovoland, Colorado, Police Department, showing officers bringing the woman in for booking.