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Woman Says LAPD Cops Roughed Her Up During Traffic Stop
Two Los Angeles Police Department officers are under investigation for their use of force during a recent traffic stop in which a female motorist was tackled to the ground twice.
34-year-old Michelle Jordan was pulled over for a cell phone use violation at around 11:15 a.m. on August 21 near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Saluda Street in Tujunga, according to the LAPD.
Jordan, a 5'4" registered nurse, exited her vehicle and allegedly became involved in a confrontation with the officers, who very quickly opted to take her to the ground in order to handcuff her. Shortly after, as the trio stood outside the officers' squad car, Jordan is tackled to the ground a second time before she is put in the squad car.
Surveillance video captured the incident, and the officers are seen giving each other a congratulatory fist bump after putting Jordan in the vehicle.
Jordan was booked for Penal Code Section 148, Interfering/Resisting Arrest, and later released on her own recognizance, say the LAPD.
However, Jordan has secured legal counsel and is filing a complaint against the LAPD.
"If a civilian were to assault a woman in this manner, he would go to jail," Jordan's attorney Sy Nazif told the L.A. Times. "These officers must be held to the same standard. They have to be held accountable."
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The LAPD has launched a "use of force" investigation. Photos of Jordan show the woman with bruises and scrapes on her chest and face.
"My initial review of the officers' statements and the recorded video cause me to have serious concerns about this Use of Force," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. "We will investigate this thoroughly and hold our officers accountable for their actions."
The officers involved are described as follows by the LAPD, who released a statement Tuesday night about the investigation:
Both officers are male Whites, one with 22 years of service the other a probationary officer with 10 months on the job. They have been reassigned to non-field duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
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