WISTER, Okla. (AP) -- Police Chief Chris Ford said he regrets hurting a woman during a July arrest at town hall, but he will be vindicated once audio of the tape recording is available and evidence comes out in court.
The incident -- caught on a security camera -- has caused a stir on YouTube, receiving more than 3,000 views in about a week. The video is titled "Oklahoma Police Brutality."
"My intent wasn't to do harm but to gain control of her while placing her under arrest," Ford said.
Brenda Martin, 51, says Ford used excessive force when taking her to the ground and had no authority to place her under arrest.
Martin said she went to the chief's office July 13 to complain about an investigation into the death of an area resident. She admits she was emotional, but says she didn't deserve to be pushed from behind, have her legs swept from under her and her face shoved into the ground. She points out she was leaving when the incident took place.
She claims her knee was dislocated and her ribs and face severely bruised.
Ford said Martin was irate when she entered his office. He repeatedly told her to calm down before asking her to leave.
"I told her I would escort her out and I asked her to stop cursing because there was a library nearby and she was being vulgar," Ford said.
After that, Ford said he told Martin she was under arrest.
"I begged her to stop struggling and cursing," Ford said. "I told her I would be forced to put her on the ground."
Then he did.
Martin was arrested and taken to the Le Flore County jail on municipal complaints of using profanity in public and resisting arrest. She was released on her own recognizance shortly after so she could receive medical treatment.
Her next court date is Oct. 7.
Published: Wed, Sep 22, 2010
