MESA, AZ – On Friday, Mesa police were trying to explain why an elderly woman was left badly bruised after an encounter with their officers.
The 84-year-old woman’s family took pictures of her bruises in the hospital.
Officers were at her home looking for a suicidal man on Wednesday. When she answered the door, she first complied with their commands but then became confused and tried to go back inside.
The woman, who is a grandmother, ended up on the ground.
The officers say they were just trying to keep her out of harm’s way and away from the man with a gun they were looking for.
The family posted a video of her online.
“The guy threw me down on the ground on the asphalt. Can you believe they did that to me,” she said.
Mesa PD has launched an internal review to see whether the officers acted appropriately.
The Mesa Police Dept. issued this statement on Facebook:
This afternoon the Mesa Police Department was made aware of a Facebook post showing an elderly female with injuries sustained during a critical encounter with Mesa officers.
The Department immediately initiated an inquiry and contacted the individuals involved.
We can confirm that the incident in question is related to an emergency call for service on February 14, 2018, in Mesa reference a suicidal subject with a gun.
Officers were told the subject in question was a male and he was in a vehicle in front of the residence. Upon arrival officers observed a male matching the description provided exiting the described vehicle and going toward the residence where they lost visual sight of him.
Officers made verbal announcements toward the residence when an elderly female came to the door and stepped out. The female complied with the officers’ commands to walk toward them. Once she was near them, she appeared to show confusion and attempted to return to the residence. In order to keep her out of harm’s way, a use of force incident occurred with the female, who was injured.
Officers summoned medical attention immediately and she was transported to a local hospital.
The male subject was subsequently contacted and the scene was secured. A BB gun was located inside the residence and based on his statements, electronic communications with family, and the totality of circumstances, he was transported for evaluation.
Our officers are trained to be considerate and respectful of all citizens. These situations are fluid and can pose a risk for anyone involved. Rest assured – we are dedicated to the safety of everyone in our community.
The Department has initiated an internal review to determine whether our officers acted consistent with our professional standards and training.
Source: http://www.wsmv.com/story/37528966/grandmother-bruised-after-encounter-with-mesa-police-officers