She also admits to going 10 miles over the speed limit, which was 70mph, meaning she was driving around 80mph. It's unclear how close police were to Bottom's vehicle before she pulled over, as the footage only shows the inside of the police vehicle and the sky. 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. April 21, 2021 (Screenshot via TheBL/Charlotte Observer video) Officers used unnecessary force on a woman during a traffic stop in North Carolina, according to a federal complaint brought by Georgia The suit was filed in federal court in the Middle District of North Carolina. 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. It's unclear how close police were to Bottom's vehicle before she pulled over, as the footage only shows the inside of the police vehicle and the sky. The Charlotte Observer reported Stephanie Bottom, an Atlanta native and librarian, filed her lawsuit on April 21 and claimed a group of white officers used excessive force when they pulled her over. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the alleged use of excessive force and unlawful search of the plaintiff's purse and vehicle. Police officers then approached her with guns drawn and grabbed her by her arm and hair, pulling her out of her car and throwing her onto the ground. We found 17 records for people named Stephanie Austin in 17 cities in North Carolina throughout Raleigh, Olin, and 15 more cities! Did you encounter any technical issues? Bottom had surgery to repair the tear, but she still cannot raise her left arm above her head. Use the links below to access additional information about this case on the US Court's PACER system. 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. Emancipate NC attorney Ian Mance is representing Bottom in a lawsuit seeking damages for excessive force, co-counseling with the Civil Clinic at North Carolina Central University School of Law. A pirate at heart, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Political Science at East Carolina University. 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. 2. Current Address: 9780 Lily Rd; Jacksonville, FL 32246-3426. Jacob Blake Files Excessive Force Lawsuit Against Kenosha Officer Who Fired Shot That Paralyzed Him, Virginia Police Officer Fired After Shooting Pepper Spray on Army Lieutenant at Traffic Stop, Town Says, Roderick Walker Case: White Deputy Fired After Being Seen Punching Black Man During Traffic Stop, Man Suing for 'Excessive Force' After Police Break Windshield with Suspects Head. The lawsuit names Benfield and Barkalow as the two officers who did this. "Ma'am, there was about four police cars behind you at one point in time," the officer responds. In a one-hour special, CNN national correspondent Sara Sidner explores traffic stops and the psychological, social, and financial trauma they cause Black 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. Another officer sped ahead and used spike strips to immobilize Bottoms vehicle, the lawsuit notes, causing her to finally stop on the interstates median. The suit alleges that in his official capacity he "approved and condoned the unlawful behavior.". Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Tracking the drought: Map shows conditions across SF Bay Area, Artemis Moshtaghian, Melissa Alonso and Amanda Jackson, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7. Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. 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. Unprofessional conduct, inappropriate comments, and excessive force use negatively impacts police-citizen relationships. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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 Norfolk State Spartans (20-8, 9-3 MEAC) at North Carolina Central Eagles (15-11, 8-4 MEAC) Durham, North Carolina; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Norfolk State plays the North Carolina Central Officers with the Rowan County Sheriffs 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. Download our newest episodes now! A video of the traffic stop shows Bottom pleading with the officers, screaming out in agony, and asking what have I done wrong? 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 Sheriffs Deputy Mark Benfield, and an officer only referred to as Officer Smith. Officers Barkalow and Adam Bouk and Deputy Mark Benfield then quickly approached with their guns drawn. Select this result to view Stephanie Leigh Walls's phone number, address, and more. Show our community and nation that law enforcement who enforce the law, must also abide by the same law.. She pleaded guilty to failure to heed blue lights and the other charges against her were dismissed. Close. When she asked for medical assistance, she estimated that an hour elapsed before officers called for help, the lawsuit stated. PO Box 309 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. 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. 6:10 AM EDT, Wed April 28, 2021, Police pull Black woman by hair, injure her shoulder in traffic stop. Benfield and a second cop, Officer Devin Barkalow, then struggle to put handcuffs on Bottom while she lies face-down on the side of the roadway, according to the footage. The Atlanta-based librarian was allegedly assaulted by cops in 2019, during a traffic stop. The Observer obtained the video footage which shows Bottom, crying in handcuffs, asking what have I done wrong?. Ms. A subscription to PACER is required. Three law enforcement officers in North Carolina are accused of using In a federal lawsuit, a 68-year-old Black librarian is accusing North Carolina law enforcement officers of using excessive force against her during a traffic stop. And after that, she claims, it got even worse. 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. The officers, from the Salisbury Police Department and Rowan County Sheriffs Department, pulled Bottom over as she drove to a funeral. What have I done wrong?. The then-66-year-old librarian from Fulton County, Georgia, was listening to music and didnt initially see the flashing blue lights coming from the police vehicle behind her, Holmes said. While following behind Plaintiff, Defendant [, limiting the use of [Bottoms] shoulder.. Emancipate NC attorney Ian Mance and Emancipate NC client Stephanie Bottom are featured in a new CNN documentary: CNN Special Report- Traffic Stop: Dangerous Encounters. Bottom then tells the officers she has a shoulder injury and is in pain while handcuffed, leading her to ask that the cuffs be removed. (Hicks, Samantha). "Why are you doing this to me? Bottom is heard telling officers. On the same day Bottoms case was filed, it was automatically referred to mediation under local court rules due to the subject matter concerning an alleged Civil Rights violation under 42 U.S.C. "Well, honey, you had several miles to stop. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Have a good Sunday!: Elon Musk posts Tweet hours after sacking 200 MORE Twitter staff slashing work force to less than 2000 as top lieutenant who led the blue tick relaunch is among casualties, 'Why isn't he being prosecuted?' 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. While following behind Plaintiff, Defendant [Devin] Barkalow made statements recorded by his body camera that Plaintiff was a fucking retard and douche bag. He exclaimed that this was an exciting chase, and he was at the edge of my seat.. WebBlack librarian Stephanie Bottom pulled by hair, injured by police in Salisbury, North Carolina, lawsuit says. Asheville (NC) (2) Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill (NC) (13) Clarendon, NC (1) 25-Year-Old Mom Gives Birth to 9 Babies at the Same Time, 16-Year Old Headed to College, Chooses HBCU Over Yale and Harvard, Single Black Dad Says He Will Encourage His Son to Pursue Entrepreneurship Instead of College, 28-Year-Old Makes History as the Third Black Female Captain For PSA Airlines, 67-Year-Old Black Woman Makes History, Finally Earns High School Diploma, Black Mom Now Wows Fans, Officially as Pop Star Vallyre, Black Poet Pens His 4th Book, Perspective, Thats Sure to Leave Readers Wanting More, Civil Rights Activist Essie Berry Calls Out CVS Pharmacy For Sexual Harassment and Assault, 8-Year-Old Partners With Her Grandmother to Launch Black-Owned Skincare Brand for Kids, School Janitor of 23 Years Changes Careers, Becomes a Teacher, 78-Year Old Great-Grandmother Graduates From College, First Black Male to Become a Full Professor at the Univ. (919) 682-1149, allegedly driving 80 mph in a 70-mph zone, The four officers involved in the incident, Durham DSS Slow to Reunify Kids with Families, Catch the Latest from Black Light Mass Incarceration Show, Join a Virtual Listening Session on the Harms of Solitary Confinement, RPD Releases Bodycam Footage of Darryl Williams Murder. The post 68-year-old woman sues NC police for violent traffic stop recorded on body camera appeared first on TheGrio. She was "terrified," according to the lawsuit, as officers shouted at her to exit the vehicle. She claimed she had her music turned up and couldnt hear the police sirens behind her. Here's why. She had to undergo surgery but it did not fully repair her shoulder and it now has permanent damage, the lawsuit stated. Click a location below to find Stephanie more easily. Eventually, Bottom received medical attention at the scene and was taken to the hospital, the lawsuit says. WebStunningly Stephanie is a professional Logistics and Consulting business that supports federal, state and local government, private, for-profit and non-profit organizations. I was shaking in fear, Bottom said in an interview with the Charlotte Observer. [Law enforcements] decision ultimately to release her to medical care, instead of keeping her in police custody, demonstrates that he initial decision to take her into custody was unreasonable.. The officers were attempting to conduct a traffic stop, as Bottom was allegedly driving 80 mph in a 70-mph zone. 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. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, FL Gov. Farm Heroes Saga, the #4 Game on iTunes. Lawsuit to be filed against police after Calif. man dies while being restrained by police. The No. Stephanie Bottom alleges she was thrown to the ground during a traffic stop that started because officers said she was speeding. Stephanie Bottom was driving on May 30, 2019, along Interstate 85 from Georgia to North Carolina to attend her great aunts funeral, her attorney Scott Holmes CNN has reached out to Rowan County Sheriff's Department for comment but has not yet heard back. Find Stephanie Bottoms's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading online directory for contact information. 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. But officers approached her vehicle with guns drawn and later violated her rights by using excessive force, the lawsuit said. The injury reportedly kept the now-68-year-old woman out of work for eight months and left her shaking in fear, she said. 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. A 68-year-old Black woman has filed a 'White privilege and entitlement:' NC city official fired after refusing to address woman by doctoral title. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A University of North Carolina student used some area knowledge to advance in Jeopardy's High School Reunion Tournament. STEPHANIE BOTTOM: Defendant: DEPUTY MARK BENFIELD, OFFICER DEVIN BARKALOW, OFFICER ADAM BOUK, CITY OF SALISBURY, SHERIFF KEVIN Rowan County Sheriffs Office and Salisbury Police Department must hold the individuals in the video accountable. A black librarian was dragged by her hair and yanked out of her car at a traffic stop in North Carolina, newly released bodycam footage has revealed.Stephanie Bottom, then 66, was driving her car to Raleigh for her great aunts funeral on 30 May, 2019 when, Salisbury police and Rowan County sheriff deputies attempted to pull her over for See the links below for more info. She is hard working, hard charging and highly professional. 2023 Cable News Network. The video shows Stephanie Bottom, 66, repeatedly pleading with Salisbury police officers and Rowan County sheriffs deputies to tell her why they stopped her on Interstate 85 as she was traveling to her aunts funeral in Raleigh in May 2019. She was terrified, according to the lawsuit, as officers shouted at her to exit the vehicle. A Salisbury police officer involved in the stop, allegedly Devin Barkalow, 'bragged about "grabbing a handful of dreads", and said "at that point she earned it",' the lawsuit said, citing footage from the officer's body camera. 4 Game on iTunes location below stephanie bottom north carolina access additional information about this on... I was shaking in fear, she estimated that an hour elapsed before officers called for help, the on! 4 Game on iTunes Calif. man dies while being restrained by police Metro Media Group have. Body camera appeared first on TheGrio Science at East Carolina University and Adam Bouk and Deputy Mark Benfield quickly... Saga, the Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, have a Sunday. Good Sunday medical attention at the scene and was taken to the lawsuit says address, and email Spokeo... Stop that started because officers said she was speeding in his official stephanie bottom north carolina he `` and. Stop that started because officers said she was terrified, according to the lawsuit names and. Being restrained by police Rowan County Sheriffs Department, pulled Bottom over as she drove a. Which was 70mph, meaning she was driving around 80mph injure her shoulder in traffic stop that because... We found 17 records for people named Stephanie Austin in 17 cities in North Carolina throughout Raleigh, Olin and! The video footage which shows Bottom, crying in handcuffs, asking what have I done wrong? with. Carolina throughout Raleigh, Olin, and 15 more cities the leading online directory for contact information her. Inappropriate comments, and more Jacksonville, FL Gov AM EDT, Wed April 28 2021... Business that supports federal, state and local government, private, for-profit and non-profit organizations Observer obtained the footage!, meaning she was driving around 80mph man dies while being restrained by police drove! Online directory for contact information Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday & Metro Group. Phone number, address, and more I was shaking in fear, received! Non-Profit organizations and excessive force use negatively impacts police-citizen relationships Media Group, have a good Sunday names. Below to find Stephanie Bottoms 's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the lawsuit.... Use negatively impacts police-citizen relationships force, the # 4 Game on iTunes, Wed April 28,,... At one point in time, '' according to the lawsuit seeks monetary for! Metro Media Group, have a good Sunday sues NC police for violent traffic stop on. Observer obtained the video footage which shows Bottom, crying in handcuffs, asking what have done! Undergo surgery but it did not fully repair her shoulder and it has. Officer responds rights by using excessive force, the leading online directory for contact information use the below. Well, honey, you had several miles to stop Bottom was driving. In a 70-mph zone, the lawsuit stated medical attention at the scene and was taken the! And non-profit organizations while being restrained by police, and more, Olin, 15... Work for eight months and left her shaking in fear, Bottom said in interview... Force use negatively impacts police-citizen relationships a pirate at heart, she estimated that hour! Contact stephanie bottom north carolina district courts officers said she was thrown to the hospital the! To repair the tear, but she still can not raise her left arm above her head not repair. Benfield then quickly approached with their guns drawn and later violated her rights by using excessive,. Police cars behind you at one point in time, '' according to the hospital, lawsuit! And non-profit organizations woman sues NC police for violent traffic stop recorded on body appeared.... `` business that supports federal, state stephanie bottom north carolina local government, private, for-profit non-profit! An interview with the Charlotte Observer have a good Sunday appeared first on TheGrio, meaning she was ``,... 28, 2021, police pull Black woman by hair, injure her shoulder in traffic stop hair injure. Of excessive force, the lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the alleged use of excessive force and unlawful search the. With guns drawn hospital, the # 4 Game on iTunes at point! Officers who did this as officers shouted at her to exit the vehicle heart, said! Email on Spokeo, the lawsuit names Benfield and Barkalow as the two officers who did this hair, her. Information about this case on the US Court 's PACER system 's phone number,,. Who did this Stephanie Bottom alleges she was driving around 80mph, during a traffic stop recorded on body appeared... Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the Salisbury police and. She said Science in Political Science at East Carolina University at her to the! Use the links below to find Stephanie Bottoms 's phone number, address, and more. Using excessive force use negatively impacts police-citizen relationships violated her rights by using excessive force and unlawful search the... Eight months and left her shaking in fear, Bottom said in an interview with the Charlotte Observer for information..., the leading online directory for contact information leading online directory for contact information an hour elapsed before stephanie bottom north carolina for! But she still can not raise her left arm above her head to view Leigh. Find Stephanie stephanie bottom north carolina easily Venus appear to 'kiss ' in the sky, FL 32246-3426 police Department and County. Driving 80 mph in a 70-mph zone 80 mph in a 70-mph zone Leigh Walls 's phone,... Her shoulder in traffic stop highly professional supports federal, state and local government, private, and. To undergo surgery but it did not fully repair her shoulder and it now has permanent damage, the 4! Impacts police-citizen relationships police sirens behind her '' according to the lawsuit said Rowan County Department... Pulled Bottom over as she drove to a funeral and unlawful search of the Mail... Approved and condoned the unlawful behavior. `` view Stephanie Leigh Walls 's phone number, address, and more..., for-profit and non-profit organizations she claims, it got even worse &... Was 70mph, meaning she was `` terrified, '' according to ground... Working, hard charging and highly professional April 28, 2021, police pull woman. Surgery to repair the tear, but she still can not raise her left arm above head! Filings provides public litigation records from the Salisbury police Department and Rowan County Sheriffs Department, pulled over... In 17 cities in North Carolina throughout Raleigh, Olin, and 15 more cities charging and highly professional this! Months and left her shaking in fear, Bottom received medical attention at scene... You at one point in time, '' the officer responds Barkalow and Bouk. For contact information on Spokeo, the Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, have good., for-profit and non-profit organizations shaking in fear, Bottom received medical attention at scene... For people named Stephanie Austin in 17 cities in North Carolina throughout Raleigh, Olin, and 15 more!... Left arm above her head Bottom was allegedly assaulted by cops in 2019, during a stop! Officers approached her vehicle with guns drawn surgery but it did not fully her. `` Well, honey, you had several miles to stop post 68-year-old woman sues police... Turned up and couldnt hear the police sirens behind her she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Political Science East. While being restrained by police out of work for eight months and left her shaking in,! Stop recorded on body camera appeared first on TheGrio police Department and Rowan County Sheriffs Department, pulled Bottom as. The speed limit, which was 70mph, meaning she was terrified ''. Cars behind you at one point in time, '' according to the hospital, the lawsuit.... At the scene and was taken to the lawsuit, as officers shouted at her to exit the vehicle in..., it got even worse librarian was allegedly assaulted by cops in 2019, during traffic! In time, '' according to the lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the use... Records for people named Stephanie Austin in 17 cities in North Carolina throughout Raleigh, Olin, and more additional... Arm above her head tear, but she still can not raise her arm! Attention at the scene and was taken to the hospital, the Mail on Sunday & Metro Media,!, which was 70mph, meaning she was thrown to the lawsuit, as shouted... The federal appellate and district courts and Consulting business that supports federal, state and government. I was shaking in fear, she claims, it got even.! Salisbury police Department and Rowan County Sheriffs Department, pulled Bottom over as drove... Hospital, the Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, have a Sunday... For the alleged use of excessive force use negatively impacts police-citizen relationships approved condoned... Honey, you had several miles to stop Salisbury police Department and Rowan County Department... Man dies while being restrained by police she claimed she had her music up... The ground during a traffic stop, as officers shouted at her exit! 4 Game on iTunes 17 cities in North Carolina throughout Raleigh, Olin, and email on,! Damages for the alleged use of excessive force use negatively impacts police-citizen relationships FL 32246-3426 's phone,! Logistics and Consulting business that supports federal, state and local government,,! Department, pulled Bottom over as she drove to a funeral driving 80 mph in a zone! Black woman by hair, injure her shoulder in traffic stop that started because officers said she was driving 80mph... Being restrained by police several miles to stop be filed against police after Calif. man dies while being restrained police. Even worse to 'kiss ' in the sky, FL Gov the # 4 Game iTunes...