KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A local activist facing felony charges for allegedly assaulting Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers during a sweep at an illegal homeless encampment last fall claims her rights were violated, but Officers deny that, saying they were the ones who were abused and outnumbered.
A Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeals Board heard her allegations, and the department’s rebuttal Tuesday evening, April 12.
Monica Washington-Padula claims she was just expressing her free speech rights, and that officers failed to give her medical attention after her arrest.
She asked the advisory panel to consider all the things that are at stake.
She complained they cut her backpack off, but admitted she had a handgun and a permit to carry it inside the bag. Officers couldn’t slide it off because she was cuffed. But the KDPS Office of Professional Standards presented bodycam video that they say showed Washington-Padula repeatedly failed to comply with officer commands, was verbally abusive, assaulted one female officer and pepper sprayed a second. Sgt. Doug Hubble says they investigated her allegations and exonerated the Officers.
The Appeals Panel will make their recommendation to the City Manager who will make the final determination and notify Washington-Padula within 20 days.
(Reporting by John McNeill)
Welllll, we know how that will go…..she’ll be exonerated, even though the video shows she was completely out of control and, of course, many people appearing to take the opportunity to start one of their typical riots. Our Kalamazoo is gone!