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. Published 12:10 am Wednesday, May 5, 2021, By Natalie Anderson 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. She later asked to be taken to the hospital and told a ranking police captain who arrived on scene that officers had broken her arm. So they make up the majority of citizens police interactions in a given year. We need law enforcement to serve and protect. 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.. Derek Chauvin trial juror details courtroom experience, deliberations: 'You're watching somebody die on a daily basis'. He is expected to have his first court appearance Monday. Lawsuit to be filed against police after Calif. man dies while being restrained by police. The suit says she was going 10 mph over the speed limit 80 mph in a 70 mph zone. Published 10:05 am Thursday, April 22, 2021. Sgt. Mike Colvin and Detective Devin Barkalow, are now on administrative duty. The 68-year-old Georgia woman, Stephanie Bottom, filed the lawsuit Wednesday in federal court for North Carolinas Middle District about her treatment during the stop involving Salisbury Police and the Rowan County Sheriffs Office. City of Salisbury Communications Director Linda McElroy said the police department completed a use of force report for Barkalow, but the document is part of his personnel record and cant be released. 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. [After this point is the edit]: Also its easy to say in pretty much every situation that theres got to be a better way to handle this because its true; but we have time to observe and think without the consequences of being there in person. 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. Derek Chauvin trial juror details courtroom experience, deliberations: 'You're watching somebody die on a daily basis'. What have I done wrong? 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 . Many more people die in car accidents than because of guns and whatnot. The suit says she was going 10 mph over the speed limit 80 mph in a 70 mph zone. She had to be hospitalized and undergo surgery for a torn rotator cuff. A sheriffs office report from 2019 says the incident occurred at 8:16 p.m. on May 30 near mile marker 74 on Interstate 85. Bottom claims the officers refused to get her medical treatment even as she told them she was in pain, according to the lawsuit. Bottom said she was driving to Raleigh for a funeral in May 2019 when she was pulled over for speeding and failing to heed to blue lights. 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: 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. Adam Bouk of the Salisbury Police Department placed a handcuff on Bottom's left. But she said women have made progress since, even in light of the scandal, in which members of an online group allegedly shared or commented on images of nude or semi-clad female Marines. She was "terrified," according to the lawsuit, as officers shouted at her to exit the vehicle. The second cop just comes rushing in and let's adrenaline take over. According to the lawsuit, Bottom did not believe she was driving fast and did not think the police were trying to stop her. Devin Barkalow M in 2015 was employed in City Of Salisbury and had a reported pay of $12,446 according to public records. 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. I like to get all sides of the story, so Im asking to see what led up to that, Black said. A gray-headed, Black lady driving 10 miles over the speed limit, Peckman said. Police detective Devin Barkalow (now with DHS) jumps out of moving car with gun drawn to ticket 68 year old woman for 10 over.she is African American.surprise/surprise VT: No police nationally will stop a car for 80 on an interstate highway where the speedlimit is 70. 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. As she was handcuffed on the side of the road, the officers searched her vehicle and purse without her consent, a warrant, or probable cause which violated Bottom's Fourth Amendment rights, the lawsuit says. She joined the staff in January 2020 after graduating from Louisiana State University, where she was editor of The Reveille newspaper. Cars are extremely dangerous in the wrong hands, and just in general. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. ', 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. PATRICK G. SPAUGH Womble Bond Dickinson (us) LLP contact info. Bailey reminded the public that the Salisbury Police Departments use of force policies are available on the citys website. There are no facts likely to emerge that warrant a 68 year old to be manhandled like that, fucking none. Paramedics were eventually called to the scene. Why? The company has 1 contact on record. Designed for military use, more and more police officers are carrying them. Were not asking for much, Black said. Carter denied racing to the officer, who observed no signs that the 310-pound defensive lineman had been drinking, according to . The other officers named in the suit are Adam . Spiked her car to stop it. "I was doing what we train to do. When police vehicles pulled behind her, Bottom continued driving for another 10 miles, oblivious, she says, to the fact that they were trying to stop her for speeding. Devin Michael Barkalow, Devin M Barkalow and Devin Michale Barkalow are some of the alias or nicknames that Devin has used. 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. One of the officers was dismissed, and the Virginia attorney general launched a civil rights probe. Bottom was not driving recklessly, she didnt lead officers on a high-speed chase, and she never intentionally tried to elude them, her attorneys contend. In the suit, Bottom says law enforcement officers used excessive force, drew their guns during the stop, pulled her out of the car by her hair and tore her rotator cuff. This mission encompasses functions of courthouse security, civil process, operation of detention facility, investigations and community patrol., Blotter: Man accused of armed robbery apprehended after short chase, Blotter: Victims in shooting discharged from hospitals, Monday morning car shooting leaves two hospitalized. Her shoulder has never fully healed and the incident left her with permanent damage. The man had been shot twice. Acting quickly, they reached forcombat arm tourniquets. Jerry Barkai - Devin Barkalow. Copyright 2017 WBTV. Efforts to reach the officers and Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten were unsuccessful. The Rowan County Sheriffs Office report does not address actions by Salisbury Police officer Barkalow. She says she had her music turned up loudly and was listening to tunes as she made the journey. When she asked for medical assistance, she estimated that an hour elapsed before officers called for help, the lawsuit said. And if the two concepts seem to conflict -- well, yes, they sometimes do, but Carol Barkalow, 31, wants you to know . Bottom said she was listening to music loudly in her car and did not realize she was being pulled over, according to the lawsuit. Thats not the case in a lot of states. Smith pulled ahead of Bottom at one point and laid down a spike strip to flatten her SUVs tires. Read the full court filing by clicking here. Shes asking for damages and an injunction against the policies and practices in which the officers engaged while taking her into custody. Bottom is being represented by Scott Holmes, professor of the Civil Litigation Clinic, a program for third-year law-school students at the North Carolina Central University. See the correctional supervision record for Kyle Devin Barkalow, who is or was recently under the supervision of the department of corrections in the state of Florida. 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. All rights reserved. Police say Sifford is facing multiple drug charges and was also charged with fleeing to elude arrest in a motor vehicle. Background Search . I respect and appreciate police officers who uphold the oath to protect and to serve and carry out their duties with a sense of honor, courage and compassion, Dancy said. 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.. Then Benfield and Salisbury police officer Devin Barkalow have Bottom, then 66, face-down on the road and struggle to handcuff her. I think that one of the main reasons we decided to get involved and impact litigation around traffic stops is that here, traffic stops are the main way that people interact with the police. Bouk and Benfield explained to Bottom that she refused to stop when they attempted to pull her over for speeding. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. 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. It was my understanding that they are taught to be observant of people. 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. Bouk yelled that theyd been following her trying to get her to stop for over 10 miles. 68-year-old woman claims she was thrown to the ground by police for speeding 13,595 views Apr 23, 2021 A 68-year-old librarian is suing the City of Salisbury and the Rowan County Sheriff's. The two officers involved in the chase and shooting, Sgt. She also recommended watching the film Driving While Black.. Those we have entrusted to keep us safe. Attorneys for Bottom released video to the Charlotte Observer. 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. 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 following alternative links are available: Note: this is a bot providing a directory service. devin barkalow waiver sent on 4/28/2021, answer due 6/28/2021. Officers used stop sticks and pulled Bottom over at gunpoint. Bottom claims the officers refused to get her medical treatment even as she told them she was in pain, according to the lawsuit. The LawsuitBottoms lawsuit claims officers used excessive force when they approached her at gunpoint and when they dragged her out of her SUV. In the lawsuit, Bottom says law enforcement officers used excessive force, drew their guns during the stop, pulled her out of the car by her hair and tore her rotator cuff. 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.. She was also charged with speeding and resisting arrest but those were dismissed. Four law enforcement officers are named in the federal lawsuit filed in US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Devin Barkalow currently lives in Concord, NC; in the past Devin has also lived in Chesterland OH and Salisbury NC. The man had been shot twice. ROWAN COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - Salisbury police officers chased and shot the tires of a murder suspect's car during apursuit Friday, according to police. You turned it into this.. Other sheriff's. Look at the tires in the beginning. Other sheriffs deputies and police officers joined the chase. Bottoms lawsuit indicates Barkalow also aimed his weapon at her. State Representative - MICHAEL DEvIN Capitol Address: Home Address: House of Representatives 1 Hillcrest Rd. Former Salisbury Police officer Devin Barkalow is accused of pulling Bottom out of the vehicle by her hair. Derek Barkalow Found. SALISBURY Local residents expressed anger and called for transparency from city leaders and local law enforcement officers Tuesday regarding a 2019 traffic incident thats the center of a federal lawsuit alleging excessive force. View Devin Barkalow M Full Profile . But they approached her vehicle with guns drawn and later violated her rights by using excessive force, the lawsuit said. Incident reports show the chase occurred on May 30, 2019 when Rowan County Master Deputy Mark Benfield tried to stop Bottom around Julian Road for traveling 80 mph in a 70 mph zone. But she added the data showing Black and brown individuals are disproportionately subject to police violence cannot be overlooked. Nonfatal encounters have also been thrust back into the national spotlight following a lawsuit brought this month by Lt. Caron Nazario. 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. 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. She was cruising northbound on Interstate 85 in her Toyota Sequoia. 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. 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. 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.. 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. The lawsuit comes as questions surrounding excessive and deadly force by police against Black people remain front and center this week after Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd in Minneapolis and 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant was fatally shot during an altercation in Columbus, Ohio. 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. If she was just chilling there being compliant than fuck yeah thats excessive, but they are trained (rightfully) to get a dangerous and non compliant operator of a vehicle out of said vehicle. This is a military officer and this is a woman, the two pictures are saying. 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 lawsuit names Benfield and Barkalow as the two officers who did this. It was very frightening. This salary is 20 percent higher than average and 23 percent higher than median salary in City of Salisbury. Bottom is seeking a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages as well as court costs and attorneys fees. Ian Mance is the attorney handling the case for the public policy program, which is dedicated to criminal justice reform and eradicating structural racism. Devin Barkalow M in 2019 was employed in City of Salisbury and had annual salary of $54,148 according to public records. The lawsuit obtained by The Washington Post, which was filed in the Middle District of North Carolina, accuses Salisbury officers Devin Barkalow and Adam Bouk and Rowan County Sheriffs deputy Mark Benfield of hurting the librarian so badly that she was forced to miss eight months of work. CNN has reached out to Rowan County Sheriff's Department for comment but has not yet heard back. Contact reporter Natalie Anderson at 704-797-4246. An officer pulled alongside Bottom's SUV at one point during the chase and looked inside her vehicle. SCOTT D. MACLATCHIE Hall Booth Smith, P.C. 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