I am exhausted with seeing Black bodies abused, tortured and sometimes killed by police officers for minor traffic infractions or other incidents that should not end in death, Dancy said. Theres a fear that even while doing our very best to follow the law and mind our business, we can come across an officer who fails to see our humanity or value our lives. When Bottoms didn't immediately pull over, one of the officers making the traffic stop identified in the lawsuit as Salisbury Police Officer Devin Barkalow made statements recorded by his body camera that Bottom was a "f**king retard" and a "douche bag," according to the body camera footage. Some of the other officers congratulated each other for a job well done, the lawsuit alleges. It wasn't just me, it was Officer Barkalow, it wasn't just me and Officer Barkalow, it was Baker team of the Salisbury Police Department, it took all of us to do that". Bottoms vehicle stopped on left shoulder after the tires deflated. Bottom noticed the deputys blue lights but didnt think she was speeding so she didnt stop. One of the officers' body cameras also captured one of the Salisbury police officers bragging about "grabbing a handful of dreads" and saying "she earned it." The four officers involved in the incident were Salisbury Police Officers Devin Barkalow and Adam Bouk, Rowan County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Benfield, and an officer only . Shouldnt have been stupid. 'White privilege and entitlement:' NC city official fired after refusing to address woman by doctoral title. Efforts to reach the officers and Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten were unsuccessful. Mance said that was one of the reasons Emancipate North Carolina opted to take on Bottoms case. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the alleged use of excessive force and unlawful search of the plaintiff's purse and vehicle. The other officers did not respond to requests for comment. Barkalow said he no longer works for the police department but declined to say where he's working now. Though Chief Jerry Stokes has done some good things, Sheffield said, theyre not evident in the overall culture being depicted. An officer pulled alongside Bottoms SUV at one point during the chase and looked inside her vehicle. Pretty soon, four male officers were involved in the chase. Bottom didnt think she was speeding and claims she didnt realize she was being pulled over. They are flat. Were not asking for much, Black said. Officers issued Bottom a summons, charging her with "speeding failure to heed blue lights, and resisting, delaying, and obstructing an officer for allegedly refusing to get out of her vehicle and pulling away from the officer," according to the lawsuit. If youre going to argue that they shouldnt have dont that, leave her gender, race, and age out of it for fucks sake. She told officers she had a torn ligament in her shoulder from a previous car accident and begged them to uncuff her arms from behind her back. Officers with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office and the Salisbury Police Department were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Bottom, alleging she was driving 80 mph in a 70-mph zone, according to the suit. The man had been shot twice. Black said he would like to see an updated mission statement that features language pertaining to people like Bottom, who may only be visiting Rowan County or simply passing through. During this time, Bouk is heard on the body camera footage saying, "That's good police work baby" to other officers, according to the suit. Devin Barkalow is 36 years old, and lives in WI. Jackie Miller said Bottom posed no threat to police officers during the incident. In the lawsuit, Bottom says law enforcement officers used excessive force, drew their. Someone non compliant whos in operation of a vehicle needs to be stopped immediately, it wasnt her color or age, it was her actions. Officers issued Bottom a summons, charging her with "speeding failure to heed blue lights, and resisting, delaying, and obstructing an officer for allegedly refusing to get out of her vehicle and pulling away from the officer," according to the lawsuit. Dancy called on the officers to answer questions of why the excessive force was used and why they ignored Bottoms comment about a previous injury to her shoulder during the incident. Linda McElroy, a spokeswoman for the city of Salisbury, wrote in an email to the Observer that the Salisbury Police always strives for positive interactions with our residents and visitors, including in cases where we may suspect criminal activity.. "We examined his legs and realized that both femoral arteries had been lacerated from the gunshot wounds. Child Endangerment/abuse-non Serious Inj; Domestic Abuse Assault Impeding Flow Of Air/Blood; Domestic Abuse Assault-Injury Or Mental Illness-1st. attempted to drive around the Stop Sticks that were used to deflate her tires. Devin Barkalow M Overview. When she asked for medical assistance, she estimated that an hour elapsed before officers called for help, the lawsuit said. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. Officers then handcuffed Garcia, who police said "exhibited signs of being under the influence." "It means a lot, but at the same time it's not really necessary, I was just doing my job," Wilson said. Four law enforcement officers are named in the federal lawsuit filed in US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Relatives & Associates. Yeah she ran for 10 miles. Carter denied racing to the officer, who observed no signs that the 310-pound defensive lineman had been drinking, according to . It also claims that the officers congratulated one other for their work and an officer identified in the lawsuit as Barkalow is heard bragging about grabbing a "handful of dreads," saying "at that point she earned it.". Video shows officers pulling Bottoms arms behind her back. State Representative - MICHAEL DEvIN Capitol Address: Home Address: House of Representatives 1 Hillcrest Rd. Stop Sticks, a brand name tire deflation device used by law enforcement agencies, were deployed at mile marker 87 about 14 miles away from where the chase started and near the point where I-85 splits into I-85 Business near the Davidson County Airport. SALISBURY Following a federal lawsuit filed by a Georgia woman who claims Salisbury and Rowan County officers used excessive force against her in a 2019 traffic stop, the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP is calling for accountability and transparency from local law enforcement agencies. An incident report states Benfield asked Bottom where her drivers license was located and that she told him it was in her purse on the passenger sides floorboard. A gray-headed, Black lady driving 10 miles over the speed limit, Peckman said. When Bottom didn't immediately pull over, one of the officers making the traffic stop identified in the lawsuit as Salisbury Police Officer Devin Barkalow made statements recorded by his body. The video was released to the Charlotte Observer by Bottoms attorneys, but has not been released publicly. View Devin B. Officers Barkalow and Bouk picked up by her arms, inflicting additional pain to her shoulder, forced her to stand and put her in the back of a patrol car, according to the lawsuit. Sifford was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under an additional $500,000 bond. When Bottom didn't immediately pull over, one of the officers making the traffic stop identified in the lawsuit as Salisbury Police Officer Devin Barkalow made statements recorded by his body . The other officers named in the suit are Adam Bouk, a sergeant for the Salisbury Police Department, and Mark Benfield, who is listed in the Rowan County Sheriffs Office directory as a master deputy. Other sheriffs deputies and police officers joined the chase. Within seconds of arriving at her driver's side door, officers grabbed the by her arm and hair and pulled her from her vehicle to the ground. . Devin Michael Barkalow is listed at 3579 Farm Lake Dr Sw Concord, Nc 28027 and is affiliated with the Republican Party. Time and time again I see this where people get mad at someone for not shooting them in the leg or some bullshit, its because they have a split second to decide what theyre gonna do, how theyre gonna do it, and do it. "With every twist of the tourniquet I could see the blood flow gradually stopping and then you actually watch it come down to just a slow trickle like a finger cut or something," Wilson added. Acting quickly, they reached forcombat arm tourniquets. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. Bottom claims the officers refused to get her medical treatment even as she told them she was in pain, according to the lawsuit. Ben Stansell covers business, county government and more for the Salisbury Post. But here, that is kind of the main way that people interact with police, Mance added. Youre going to jail now, the policeman responded. Sifford was recently indicted on murder charges from a 2014death investigation. Council members David Post and Brian Miller agreed with the request for data and information about use of force policies, but neither saw a need for a separate public meeting apart from a regular council meeting. The force applied by the officers caused Bottom's "shoulder to 'pop,' tearing her rotator cuff and causing severe injury," according to the lawsuit. snip. 2 State House Station Newcastle, ME 04553 Augusta, ME 04333-0002 Cell: (207) 975-3132 (207) 287-1400 TTY: (207) 287-4469 mick@mickdevin.org State Representative - CHLOE S. MAxMIN Capitol Address: Home Address: A Westminster Police Department officer has been placed on paid administrative leave after cellphone video showed him punching a handcuffed woman twice in the face, CBS Los Angeles reports. It was my understanding that they are taught to be observant of people. Like, theres got to be a better way to handle this. Designed for military use, more and more police officers are carrying them. Copyright 2017 WBTV. According to the complaint, Bottom was unarmed and posed no threat. ', Heggins suggested a public work session with the city manager, city attorney and police chief to discuss use of force policies and what role each person is expected to carry out. What have I done wrong? According to the lawsuit, Bottom did not believe she was driving fast and did not think the police were trying to stop her. Bottom said she was listening to music loudly in her car and did not realize she was being pulled over, according to the lawsuit. against her in a 2019 traffic stop, the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP is calling for accountability and transparency from local law enforcement agencies. She was accused of refusing to get out of her vehicle and pulling away from the officer. The lawsuit denied those allegations. Contact reporter Natalie Anderson at 704-797-4246. There are no facts likely to emerge that warrant a 68 year old to be manhandled like that, fucking none. He is expected to have his first court appearance Monday. The incident report describes one point during the chase where Master Deputy M. Smith sped up beside Bottoms vehicle and saw her put her hand up in a manner that suggested she didnt care or was not sure what was going on.. The then-66-year-old librarian from Fulton County, Georgia, was listening to music and didn't initially see the flashing blue lights coming from the police vehicle behind her, Holmes said. View Devin Barkalow M Full Profile . She also recommended watching the film Driving While Black.. The then-66-year-old librarian from Fulton County, Georgia, was listening to music and didn't initially see the flashing blue lights coming from the police vehicle behind her, Holmes said. In a June 2019 review of the incident, Sgt. The clinic has partnered with Emancipate North Carolina, a civil rights nonprofit based in Durham. Wed write you a ticket. DEPUTY MARK BENFIELD. They ignored her cries for medical attention and failed to render immediate treatment for her injuries. A federal lawsuit filed by a Georgia woman claims officers from Salisbury and Rowan County used excessive force during a traffic stop in 2019 when they pulled her from the car by her hair and tore her rotator cuff. Cars are extremely dangerous in the wrong hands, and just in general. The lawsuit also alleges violations of constitutional amendments about unlawful searches and seizures, saying evidence found in the car would not support charges for speeding. Bottom would later be charged with speeding, failure to heed to blue lights and resisting, delaying and obstructing an officer. Two Salisbury Police officers honored for life-saving actions, N.C. Attorneys for Bottom released video to the Charlotte Observer. 2023001599. Everyone take a close look at the video. contact info. In this conversation. She had to be hospitalized and undergo surgery for a torn rotator cuff. Lawsuit to be filed against police after Calif. man dies while being restrained by police. The other officers named in the suit are Adam . While state law allows people pictured in body camera videos to receive a copy, the Rowan County Sheriffs Office and Salisbury Police Department are prevented from releasing the video without a court order. On Tuesday Wilson and Barkalow were honored by the City Council for their lifesaving effortsa distinction that Wilson says, wasn't really necessary. Maam, there was about four police cars behind you at one point in time, Benfield told Bottom as she claimed she didnt realize the officers had been chasing her for miles. Bottom is suing the city of Salisbury, two of the citys police officers and a Rowan County sheriffs deputy who were involved in the May 30, 2019 incident. Those we have entrusted to keep us safe. After the search, officers told Bottom to stand, but she said she couldn't due to the pain in her shoulder, according to the suit. Officers with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office and the Salisbury Police Department were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Bottom, alleging she was driving 80 mph in a 70-mph zone, according to the suit. The two officers involved in the chase and shooting, Sgt. The BodycamThe incident began the evening of May 30, 2019 when a deputy allegedly spotted Bottom driving 80 mph on the interstate, which has a 70 mph speed limit. "We physically saw him go white as a ghost from the loss of blood, he was about to go into a faint stage, so we just stopped with all the talk and just carried on with the first aid.". Among other things, the report states Bottom: failed to stop for blue lights and sirens for about 14 miles and through two counties, simply threw her hands into the air when a uniformed officer pulled along side of her and motioned for her to pull over.. In addition to officers involved in the stop, the lawsuit names Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten and Pennsylvania National Mutual Casualty Insurance Company. Shouldnt have been stupid. Court: Fourth Circuit North Carolina US District . "I was sitting at a red light at the square in here in Salisbury when the call came in that we had a gunshot victim," said Master Police Officer Joe Wilson. Stephanie Bottom was terror-stricken in the drivers seat of her SUV, trying not to move as three officers in Salisbury, N.C., held her at gunpoint during a traffic stop for speeding in May 2019. Within seconds of arriving at her driver's side door, officers grabbed the by her arm and hair and pulled her from her vehicle to the ground. When Bottom didn't immediately pull over, one of the officers making the traffic stop identified in the lawsuit as Salisbury Police Officer Devin Barkalow made statements recorded by his body. Susan Lee said the lack of accountability is very concerning and violates community trust, adding that its chilling to think the same officers have been entrusted with local residents safety. She was "terrified," according to the lawsuit, as officers shouted at her to exit the vehicle. In the footage, Bottom is seen screaming as Benfield, Barkalow, and Salisbury Police Officer Adam Bouk force her to lay face down on the ground, according to the lawsuit. Bodycam footage showed Deputy Benfield hop out with his gun drawn as he and the other officers swarmed her car. Another officer involved in the traffic stop, only identified as Officer Smith, pulled ahead of Bottom and deployed spike strips that immediately immobilized her vehicle, the lawsuit says. Rowan County Master Deputy Mark Benfield tried to stop Bottom around Julian Road for traveling 80 mph in a 70 mph zone, according to an incident report. Defendant. According to the Observer, Barkalow said he no longer works for the Salisbury Police Department. One of the officers named in the lawsuit, former Salisbury Police Department officer Devin Barkalow, declined to talk about the complaint, referring a reporter to the department. He said he was particularly struck by officers brutal treatment of an elderly woman who was unarmed and showed no signs of being violent. She was also charged with speeding and resisting arrest but those were dismissed. According to a July 2020 report from the North Carolina Justice Analysis Review, Black motorists were stopped at a rate twice as high as white drivers in the Tar Heel State, and almost 1.5 times the rates of other races. Barkalow and another Salisbury officer, Bottom claims they . A Black woman was allegedly grabbed by the hair and pulled out of her SUV by North Carolina police during a traffic stop in 2019 after she was driving 10 miles per hour over the speed limit and failed to stop for law enforcement, according to a civil lawsuit filed last week. In the footage, Bottom is seen screaming as Benfield, Barkalow, and Salisbury Police Officer Adam Bouk force her to lay face down on the ground, according to the lawsuit. Didnt want to get shot? Bouk and Benfield explained to Bottom that she refused to stop when they attempted to pull her over for speeding. 1331 . The car was stopped when they apprehended her. So this was very disruptive to her life in many ways..