KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo City Manager’s office is disagreeing with the city’s citizen’s public safety review board who says police mishandled the arrest of Monica Washington-Padula back in October of 2021 during last fall’s Ampersee Avenue homeless encampment clear-out.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Vernon Coakley determined his officers did nothing wrong after an appeal was filed by Washington-Padula, who detectives say struck a KDPS Sergeant with a flag pole and pepper sprayed a second officer, causing temporary blindness.
Washington-Padula claims she was also hurt as a result of chemical irritants used by police. And according to a letter dated Monday, May 2nd, The City of Kalamazoo Citizen Public Safety Review and Appeal Board stated that KDPS officers failed to provide her with adequate medical care until 20 hours after the arrest.
In an interview with Newschannel 3, Washington-Padula said that she felt like she was being punished more harshly than what was needed.
“So what happened at the jail was me asking continuously for medical care, and actually being told by officers pretty much that’s what you get for fighting,” said Washington-Padula.
She is currently charged with assault with dangerous weapon and two counts of assaulting a police officer. Her case is set for trial Tuesday, July 5th.
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