Cops Laugh At Elderly Woman With Dementia Whose Arm Was Broken During Rough Arrest

On Monday, a video was posted showing Loveland cops violently arresting 73-year-old woman Karen Garner with dementia while she was on her way home. The Colorado cops were caught laughing while watching a body cam footage of Garner’s arrest on June 26 last year.

The 5 foot tall senior, whose arm was broken during the arrest, was accused of stealing $13.88 worth of items from Walmart.

The disturbing 14-minute video was posted by The Life & Liberty Law Office on their YouTube channel. The video reveals an unacceptable culture of insensitive cops. It also shows how they fist-bump one another while celebrating the assault of Garner and the intimidation of a civillian who tried to interfere.

In a statement on Monday, Garner’s attorney, Sarah Schielke said: “this is utterly disgusting” and “these videos cannot be unseen or unheard”. She also apologized for sharing them on the internet claiming it is the only way to sensitize them about their senseless act.

“They have to be exposed," she added. Speaking about the Loveland Police department's toxic culture and abuse of the powerless. She said it will continue if they are not exposed. She continued how horrifying this kind of act is coming from the authorities and claimed that this is not another “isolated incident”.

“It is not just one single ‘problem.’ It is widespread, sociopathic criminality.” A 27-minute long complete and unedited video was also posted to the group's YouTube channel.

Garner filed a lawsuit earlier this month against the Loveland Police Department for using excessive force. The officers named in the lawsuit include Austin Hopp, Daria Jalali and Sergeant Philip Metzler for violating the elderly woman’s civil rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit claimed that she suffers from dementia and sensory aphasia, and during the struggle, Garner suffered from a broken arm, dislocated shoulder and bruises all over her body.

New York News Daily reported that Hopp has been suspended while the two other cops were placed on administrative leave. Authorities of Loveland have vowed to protect the “due process” rights of its officers.

“The footage is difficult to watch and we understand the strong emotions evoked including the outrage, fear, and distrust,” the city of Loveland said in a statement Monday.

Meanwhile, city officials said they are opening an independent probe into Garner’s treatment. Gordon McLaughlin, District Attorney for the 8th Judicial District has asked his critical response team to investigate whether there was “any potential criminal behavior” by the Loveland officers.