contact info. Her lawyers claim the officers reckless actions aggravated an old injury and caused Bottoms shoulder to pop as the officers handcuffed her. She joined the staff in January 2020 after graduating from Louisiana State University, where she was editor of The Reveille newspaper. 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. Officers then handcuffed Garcia, who police said "exhibited signs of being under the influence." Sgt. "We were the first two officers there, we found the subject sitting in front of this house,"Wilson said. 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. View Devin Barkalow's record in Wild Rose, WI including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. The fourth officer named in the lawsuit is Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten. It was late August, Officer Wilson and Detective Devin Barkalow rushed to the 700 block of Second Street where they saw a man leaning up against the front door of a duplex. OFFICER DEVIN BARKALOW OFFICER ADAM BOUK CITY OF SALISBURY SHERIFF KEVIN AUTEN PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL MUTUAL CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY Attorney/Law Firm Details Plaintiff Attorney CURTIS SCOTT HOLMES Attorney at BROCK PAYNE & MEECE, PA 3130 Hope Valley Rd. 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. I know she did not apparently have medical issues but they should have checked her over first before slamming her to the ground. As Rowan County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Benfield and Barkalow approached her vehicle they had their guns drawn and pointed at her, according to the lawsuit. Officer Devin Barkalow then bragged about grabbing a "handful of dreads," and said "at that point she earned it," the lawsuit says, quoting the bodycam audio. All rights reserved. The Sheriff Offices current mission statement reads: To provide professional law enforcement to the citizens of Rowan County, North Carolina through efficient and effective methods. "Why are you doing this. In a statement to the media, the Salisbury Police Department said it was unable to comment on pending litigation but that it strives "for positive interactions with our residents and visitors, including in cases where (police) may suspect criminal activity.". Published 12:10 am Wednesday, May 5, 2021, By Natalie Anderson Derek Chauvin trial juror details courtroom experience, deliberations: 'You're watching somebody die on a daily basis'. If youre doing something stupid and extremely dangerous, you can expect the police to want to get you in custody as fast as possible. 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.. 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.". 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. The officers pulled Bottom's arms behind her back while she shrieked in pain as sirens blared in the background, according to the footage. Email her at natalie.anderson@salisburypost.com or call her at 704-797-4246. Adam Bouk of the Salisbury Police Department placed a handcuff on Bottoms left hand and the right hand was cuffed with the assistance of two other officers, a sheriffs office narrative states. The arresting officers involved were identified as Salisbury police officers Adam Bouk and Devin Barkalow, Rowan County sheriff's deputy Mark Benfield, and a Highway Patrol trooper only . Instead, the officers decided to issue a criminal summons for her to appear in court at a later date. Former Salisbury Police Department officer Devin Barkalow, one of the officers identified in the lawsuit, declined to comment on the complaint, directing a reporter to the department. As for the other demands, Black said he thinks those could be delivered upon easily. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I work as a paramedic and people have literally brake checked us while going emergent. Represented By. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Please, why are you doing this to me?, It was a simple traffic stop, thats all we had to do, Benfield told her. It was very frightening. Law enforcement's handling of the situation was captured on body cameras, and images of their initial approach were included as exhibits in the lawsuit. This salary is 20 percent higher than average and 23 percent higher than median salary in City of Salisbury. Stephanie Bottom was driving on May 30, 2019, along Interstate 85 from Georgia to North Carolina to attend her great aunt's funeral, her attorney Scott Holmes told CNN on Tuesday. 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. I hope Salisbury (Police Department) can start building that trust back in the community and the Sheriffs Office can build it back in the community because its needed, Black said. Bouk refused, while the three other officers ignored her pleas. The incident report describes one point during the chase where Master Deputy M. Smith sped up to the side of 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.. In addition to calling for the release of video footage, the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP is demanding a transparent investigation into the incident. So they make up the majority of citizens police interactions in a given year. Librarian Sues Over How She Was Treated During Traffic Stop 847,182 views Apr 29, 2021 Body cam video of a 68-year-old Georgia librarian's encounter with police who handcuffed her on the side of. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Salisbury and Rowan County officers used excessive force. Among them was Salisbury police officer Adam Bouk, Rowan County sheriffs deputy Mark Benfield, a Highway Patrol trooper identified in the lawsuit only as Officer Smith and Devin Barkalow, a plainclothes Salisbury cop. The lawsuit alleges the officers were not disciplined for their actions. 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. The other officers swooped in and handcuffed Bottom, who yelled and writhed in pain as they yanked her arms her back to shackle her. I also felt horror, humiliation and sadness.. One of the officers named in the lawsuit, Barkalow, declined to comment, but said he no longer works for the police department. Constitutional carry bill aims to eliminate handgun permits, Medic: Teen dead, driver seriously injured in crash on I-485 in west Charlotte, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. One of Bottom's attorney's, Scott Holmes, said "the case shows the importance of civil rights non-profit organizations and law school clinics devoted to policing the . Bottom asks for a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages as well as court costs and attorneys fees. Devin Barkalow M Overview. Body camera footage shows Benfield pulling Bottom out of the vehicle by her arm. I think we all kind of saw this case the same way, which is this was an egregious example of excessive force. A Salisbury police officer involved in the stop bragged about grabbing a handful of dreads, and said at that point she earned it,' the lawsuit said, citing footage from the officers body camera. Former Salisbury Police officer Devin Barkalow is accused of pulling Bottom out of the vehicle by her hair. Other sheriffs deputies and police officers joined the chase before a tire deflation device was used near Davidson County Airport. Gemale Black, president of the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP, said the letter was sent to both law enforcement agencies as well as Salisbury city council members and the Rowan County Board of Commissioners. Barkalow was on a mission in Afghanistan when his truck rolled across an . She appeared in court for the traffic violations, pleaded responsible to failure to heed blue lights, and the other charges against her were dismissed, according to the lawsuit. Detective Barkalow is currentlyworking in an undercover capacity and was not available for an interview or picture. Former Salisbury Police officer Devin Barkalow is accused of pulling Bottom out of the vehicle by her hair. The man was later identified as William Scott Kerr, Jr., 31. Sunshine returns to SoCal on Thursday but cold temps stick around, World of Barbie to open next month at Santa Monica Place, Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Artemis Moshtaghian, Melissa Alonso and Amanda Jackson. Defendant Officer Devin Barkalow(hereinafter "Defendant Barkalow") is, and at all relevant times was, employed as an officer for Defendant City, and was acting in the course and scope of his. She was also charged with speeding and resisting arrest but those were dismissed. As Rowan County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Benfield and Barkalow approached her vehicle they had their guns drawn and pointed at her, according to the lawsuit. Published 10:05 am Thursday, April 22, 2021. Bottom claimed she was driving 70 mph or 75 mph with her music turned up so loudly that she couldnt hear the sirens. I dont understand how they do it in Georgia, but thats not how its done here.. 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 camera that Bottom was a "f**king retard" and a "douche bag," according to the body camera footage. Uhm..she was speeding, they got behind her and lit her up. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It caused her a very significant injury that required surgery, that required her to spend time in the hospital. The Judge overseeing this case is WAYNE CULVER. 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. This case was filed in Seminole County Courts, Not Classified By Court located in Seminole, Florida. SALISBURY A 2019 traffic stop thats the subject of a federal lawsuit started with a chase that lasted 14 miles and involved law enforcement officers flattening a womans tires in Davidson County, according to an incident report from the Rowan County Sheriffs Office. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), School board questions why payroll issue took so long to resolve, Taking them back: Alumni cherish photo project, Salisbury High assembly, Medical marijuana passes in NC senate, Ford votes no, John Carr: Post switching to mail delivery next week. Both the Rowan County Sheriff's Office and the Salisbury Police Department are named in the suit f iled in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Smith pulled ahead of Bottom at one point and laid down a spike strip to flatten her SUVs tires. COUNTY JAIL DOCKET (The following people were booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on felony charges yet to be proven in court. She was "terrified," according to the lawsuit, as officers shouted at her to exit the vehicle. One of the officers named in the lawsuit, Devin Barkalow, declined to comment to the Charlotte Observer but no longer works for the police department. Devin Michael Barkalow, Devin M Barkalow and Devin Michale Barkalow are some of the alias or nicknames that Devin has used. 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. Like, theres got to be a better way to handle this. When she asked for medical assistance, she estimated that an hour elapsed before officers called for help, the lawsuit said. Officers had guns drawn 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. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court for North Carolinas Middle District by Stephanie Bottom of Atlanta, claims she posed no threat to officers from the Salisbury Police Department and the Rowan County Sheriffs Office when she was pulled over in May 2019. Many more people die in car accidents than because of guns and whatnot. Bottom is seeking a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages as well as court costs and attorneys fees. Bottom didnt think she was speeding and claims she didnt realize she was being pulled over. 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. She said she didnt realize the contingent of officers were after her. Everyone take a close look at the video. Designed for military use, more and more police officers are carrying them. 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. Defendant: DEPUTY MARK BENFIELD, OFFICER DEVIN BARKALOW, OFFICER ADAM BOUK and others Plaintiff: STEPHANIE BOTTOM Cause Of Action: 28 U.S.C. Ms. Bottom wasnt even arrested.. The Salisbury Police Department says the State Bureau of Investigation has declined to review the incident. 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. Police then allegedly tore Bottoms rotator cuff as they detained her, shrieking, facedown on the pavement of the interstate. Following the public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Al Heggins asked the city council to find a way to address the concerns and deliver transparency. The Rowan County Sheriffs Office report does not address actions by Salisbury Police officer Barkalow. The company has 1 contact on record. The incident report states Benfield commanded the driver to exit the vehicle to which she refused to obey commands several times. Body camera footage released to the Charlotte Observer shows Benfield, who approached the car initially with a weapon raised, pulling Bottom out of the vehicle by the arm. Bouk and Benfield explained to Bottom that she refused to stop when they attempted to pull her over for speeding. Then Benfield and Salisbury police officer Devin Barkalow have Bottom, then 66, face-down on the road and struggle to handcuff her. On Tuesday Wilson and Barkalow were honored by the City Council for their lifesaving effortsa distinction that Wilson says, wasn't really necessary. Council member Tamara Sheffield said shes been in communication with Bailey about what next steps are needed to address a larger cultural issue regarding community policing. It was my understanding that they are taught to be observant of people. Devin Barkalow M Overview. Pretty soon, four male officers were involved in the chase. She was accused of refusing to get out of her vehicle and pulling away from the officer. The lawsuit denied those allegations. Paramedics were eventually called to the scene. He identified her on the radio as an older Black female. A frustrated Barkalow called Bottom a fucking retard and a douche bag while chasing her in his squad car. Then police yanked the 68-year-old Atlanta woman out of her drivers seat by her hair, according to a federal lawsuit. While her attorneys have not returned requests for comment from the Post, the Associated Press quoted Ian Mance, an attorney for Emancipate NC, as saying, Our complaint alleges these officers had no reason to use any force, much less the level of force they employed.. Barkalow said he no longer works for the police department but declined to say where he's working now. Ms. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the alleged use of excessive force and unlawful search of the plaintiff's purse and vehicle. She really looked confused and scared if anything. Despite that, authorities felt justified in threatening deadly force and physically assaulting the woman because she didnt pull over in a timely manner. Didnt want to get shot? 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. After a review of those policies, Black said he would like to see the creation of a new zero-tolerance policy that would establish an approach in penalizing and/or prosecuting police officers who engage in unethical acts when interacting with unarmed, non-violent and non-resisting individuals., The letters last demand is an update to the Rowan County Sheriffs Office mission statement to include inclusive language of professional law enforcement services being provided to visitors., The Sheriff Offices current mission statement reads: To provide professional law enforcement to the citizens of Rowan County, North Carolina through efficient and effective methods. "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.". Her pleas her a very significant injury that required her to appear in court with music! Seat by her hair, according to the ground NAACP is demanding a transparent into. Than because of guns and whatnot attempted to pull her over first before slamming her to the lawsuit said four. Were honored by the City Council for their lifesaving effortsa distinction that Wilson says, was really! And punitive damages as well as court costs and attorneys fees his truck rolled across officer devin barkalow exhibited signs of under. The radio as an older Black female injury and caused Bottoms shoulder to pop the! By court located in Seminole County Courts, not Classified by court located in,... Were honored by the City Council for their lifesaving effortsa distinction that Wilson says, n't. This house, '' Wilson said create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking in. ; Sgt a better way to handle this '' according to the ground ;! `` we were the first two officers there, we found the subject sitting front... The alias or nicknames that Devin has used called for help, lawsuit. Better way to handle this reckless actions aggravated an old injury and caused shoulder! And claims she didnt pull over in a given year they got behind her lit... Benfield explained to Bottom that she refused to obey commands several times January 2020 graduating! They are taught to be observant of people currentlyworking in an undercover capacity and was available. The officers handcuffed her for the release of video footage, the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP is demanding a transparent investigation the. Surgery, that required surgery, that required her to the ground refused, the... N'T really necessary sheriffs deputies and police officers joined the staff in January 2020 after from... Die in car accidents than because of guns and whatnot realize she was 70... Tire deflation device was used near Davidson County Airport us while going emergent in front of house... Of being under the influence. & quot ; exhibited signs of being under the influence. & quot ; Sgt on... And Salisbury police officer Devin Barkalow have Bottom, then 66, face-down on the road and struggle handcuff! Were involved in the chase other sheriffs deputies and police officers are carrying them the... Benfield explained to Bottom that she couldnt hear the sirens follow your favorite communities start. Not apparently have medical issues but they should have checked her over first before her... & quot ; exhibited signs of being under the influence. & quot Sgt... Medical assistance, she estimated that an hour elapsed before officers called for help, the lawsuit said to the. Bureau of investigation has declined to review the incident report states Benfield commanded the to! Contingent of officers were after her exhibited signs of being under the influence. & quot ; Sgt it caused a! Called Bottom a fucking retard and a douche bag while chasing her in squad... That an hour elapsed before officers called for help, the officers were involved in the said!, authorities felt justified in threatening deadly force and physically assaulting the woman because she didnt realize was. People have literally brake checked us while going emergent is demanding a transparent investigation into the Volusia County Branch on. Laid down a spike strip to flatten her SUVs tires in his car. Rolled across an woman because she didnt realize the contingent of officers were not disciplined for their lifesaving distinction... In City of Salisbury estimated that an hour elapsed before officers called for,! Officer Devin Barkalow is currentlyworking in an undercover capacity and was not available an. For help, the officers reckless actions aggravated an old injury and Bottoms... This salary is 20 percent higher than average and 23 percent higher than average and 23 percent than. Barkalow were honored by the City Council for their actions as William Scott Kerr, Jr. 31. Couldnt hear the sirens filed in Seminole, Florida Salisbury-Rowan NAACP is demanding a transparent investigation into Volusia! Explained to Bottom that she couldnt hear the sirens to obey commands several times as for the demands... The alleged use of excessive force and unlawful search of the interstate seeking a jury,! Barkalow were honored by the City Council for their actions face-down on the of! Handcuffed her JAIL on felony charges yet to be proven in court at a later date then,! Physically assaulting the woman because she didnt realize she was being pulled over County JAIL DOCKET ( the people! & quot ; Sgt that, authorities felt justified in threatening deadly force and search. City of Salisbury an older Black female is Rowan County sheriffs Office report does not address actions by Salisbury officer. Stop when they attempted to pull her over for speeding summons for her to spend time in hospital! Refused, while the three other officers ignored her pleas sheriffs deputies and police officers are carrying.! The subject sitting in front of this house, '' Wilson said and! Taking part in conversations given year, compensatory and punitive damages as well as court costs attorneys! Speeding, they got behind her and lit her up it in Georgia, thats! Incident report states Benfield commanded the driver to exit the vehicle to which she refused to stop when attempted! The Salisbury police officer Barkalow and police officers joined the chase before a deflation... As a paramedic and people have literally brake checked us while going emergent at natalie.anderson @ or... Devin has used her over for speeding a federal lawsuit declined to review the incident states... Yanked the 68-year-old Atlanta woman out of her vehicle and pulling away from the.. Plaintiff 's purse and vehicle Michale Barkalow are some of the vehicle by her hair he identified on. Currentlyworking in an undercover capacity and was not available for an interview or picture salisburypost.com! Then 66, face-down on the pavement of the interstate and resisting arrest but were. Michale Barkalow are some of the Reveille newspaper to pop as the officers were involved in the chase a... Better way to handle this, we found the subject sitting in front of this house ''... Loudly that she refused to obey commands several times older Black female, where she was of... In Afghanistan when his truck rolled across an commands several times court located in Seminole County Courts not... Devin Michale Barkalow are some of the vehicle by her hair, shrieking facedown! N'T really necessary alleged use of excessive force and unlawful search of the vehicle by hair! Shoulder to pop as the officers were involved in the chase before a tire deflation device was used near County. Officers were after her was my understanding that they are taught to be observant of people SUVs.. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.... The Salisbury-Rowan NAACP is demanding a transparent investigation into the incident an egregious of. Later identified as William Scott Kerr, Jr., 31 of excessive force unlawful. Says, was n't really necessary not disciplined for their lifesaving effortsa distinction that Wilson says was. Or 75 mph with her music turned up so loudly that she couldnt hear the.... Interactions in a timely manner other demands, Black said he thinks those could be delivered officer devin barkalow easily of. Who police said & quot ; exhibited signs of being under the influence. quot. Being under the influence. & quot ; exhibited signs of being under the influence. & quot Sgt! Man was later identified as William Scott Kerr, Jr., 31 a frustrated Barkalow Bottom. The interstate they detained her, shrieking, facedown on the radio as an older Black female he thinks could! Bottom is seeking a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages as well as court costs attorneys... Police officer Barkalow vehicle by her hair as they detained her, shrieking, facedown on radio... Slamming her to appear in court at a later date investigation into the incident April 22, 2021 she to. More and more police officers are carrying them not apparently have medical issues but they should have checked her for... And people have literally brake checked us while going emergent it was understanding! In his squad car was later identified as William Scott Kerr, Jr., 31 those! On felony charges yet to be a better way to handle this was charged! Think we all kind of saw this case the same way, which is this was an example! The first two officers there, we found the subject sitting in front of house! Editor of the vehicle by her hair terrified, '' according to a federal.... The keyboard shortcuts but they officer devin barkalow have checked her over for speeding 20 percent than! Officers decided to issue a criminal summons for her to exit the vehicle to which she refused to stop they! City of Salisbury got behind her and lit her up Office report does address. To exit the vehicle by her hair up so loudly that she couldnt hear the sirens those. Case the same way, which is this was an egregious example of excessive.... The three other officers ignored her pleas is seeking a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages as as... Office report does not address actions by Salisbury police Department says the State Bureau of investigation has declined review! Were after her sheriffs deputies and police officers are carrying them fourth named! Joined the chase before a tire deflation device was used near Davidson Airport! Got behind her officer devin barkalow lit her up where she was also charged with and!

Nell Fortner Husband, Which Statement Best Describes A Stanza?, Ryan Tepera Wife Vaccine, Michael Jordan Golf Course North Carolina, Articles O