LOVELAND, Colo. On Tuesday, the Loveland city manager announced four officers are now on administrative leave following the forcible arrest of Karen Garner. He and councilor Steve Olson also said they were hesitant to pass judgment on the officers involved, even as they expressed concern about what was shown in the footage. Karen Garner, who has dementia, was arrested last June for walking out of a Walmart in Loveland, Colorado, with $13.88 worth of items, according to an amended lawsuit filed Sunday. The Town of Prescott Valley community relations coordinator told FOX31, During every step of the extensive interview and hiring process, Chief Ticer was forthcoming and fully disclosed everything that happened regarding this incident. Karen Garner was arrested last June for walking out of a Walmart with $13.88 worth of items, according to a lawsuit filed Sunday. The four officers being placed on leave follows the release of video showing officers identified as Hopp, Jalali and Blackett laughing as they begin to watch the body camera footage of Garners arrest. ", Jalali appeared to ruefully brush off the dustup: "A little muddy, a little bloody, that's how it works.". Garner then can be heard saying, "Don't do that!" 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CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Karen Garner suffered from a broken arm, sprained wrist and separated shoulder during her June 2020 arrest by Hopp. Beyond more criminal charges, Garners family wants to know exactly who knew about the brutality of the arrest prior to the federal lawsuit being filed and why those people did not act. Ticer said there will be an internal affairs investigation handled by the city's human resources director. Hopp arrested Karen Garner in June 2020 after she allegedly left a store without paying for about $14 worth of items. However, because Ashe is the one who requested the search be done, the department alleges Ashe made the query in violation of policy, according to the lawsuit. "I fully support these charges, Loveland Police Chief Robert Ticer repeated twice during a press conference on Wednesday. > Below: Body camera footage shows the arrest of the 73-year-old. Emergency Communications Center | City of Loveland Garner initially filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on April 14 against the city of Loveland and three police officers, including Hopp and Jalali, for alleged excessive use of force. Ticer, he alleges, did neither. It was discussed at every level of the process, including the actions Chief Ticer took once he was made aware of the situation.. One resident, Shane Ritter, was ceded time by others to read a letter that had been signed by more than 160 people sincerely, and with outrage.. Officers to Get Pay Raise as Viral Video of Cop Breaking 73 - Newsweek The news comes a day after. I get word from an email, I get word from the newspaper, I get word not from the city that works for the elected officials, he said. "Hear the pop?". ", Hopp dismisses the driver saying, "Get out of here, this is not your business. TWO Colorado cops whose recorded violent arrest last year of a dementia-stricken elderly woman are now facing criminal charges. The Loveland Emergency Communications Center (LECC) is a 24-hour, 365 day/year operation, serving as the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) answering all 911 calls over 260 square miles of southern Larimer County, as well as non-emergent calls to Loveland Police Department. The lawsuit claims Ashe was fired because he was not an employee of the Police Department who has been trained in the use of the records management system and therefore was not authorized to query this information.. The family on Mothers Day visited Garner at the memory care facility where she now lives, said Shannon Steward, Garners daughter-in-law. Use caution in this area. According to a YouTube transcription of the video, Hopp then asks, Are you ready for the pop? as Jalali covers her ears. ", First published on April 30, 2021 / 2:58 PM. As first reported by CBS4, the Larimer County District Attorney's Office elected to move forward with a plea agreement against the will of the Garner Family, something they have the legal right to do. Garner was 73 when she was arrested and was reportedly injured as a result of that arrest. On the day of the encounter, Hopp pursued a visibly disoriented Karen Garner while she was walking on a highway shoulder afterfleeing a Walmart where she had failed to pay for $13.38 worth of items. 2023 www.cincinnati.com. Blackett was not involved in Garner's arrest but assisted with booking her at the jail. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. While Lovelands Police Department said Monday that it would not comment on new footage released by Garners attorney, City Manager Steve Adams opened the meeting by sharing his own concerns about the video that shows arresting officer Austin Hopp and others in the police department laughing and joking about the arrest of the 73-year-old with dementia. This is not an excessive force case its torture in broad daylight, by multiple officers, including supervisors, Schielke said. He then said that four police officers involved in the arrest have been placed on administrative leave, including Hopp, Tyler Blackett, Sgt. Minyvonne Burkeis a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Ashe filed a lawsuit in 8th Judicial District Court against the city of Loveland in December, alleging that he should not have been fired and asking for his job back. That is the law in Colorado. On Friday, Loveland's police chief, Robert L. Ticer, said that two police officers who had arrested Ms. Garner Austin Hopp and Daria Jalali as well as a community service officer,. Loveland police Chief Robert Ticer said at a news conference Wednesday that he fully supported the charges against Hopp and Jalali. She hasnt smiled since then, Steward said. The detectives compiled a 600-page report on the incident, which will not yet be made public because there is now an open criminal case. Garner was wrestled to the ground within 30 seconds of a police officer exiting his patrol car. Garner's attorney released a video that she said shows the officers knew of her injuries and neglected to provide her with medical attention. but it can also be stressful. The city attorney will review all use-of-force cases in the future, he said. Ashe was not involved in the civil lawsuit filed by the Garner family. Jalali, Hopp and Community Service Officer Tyler Blackett resigned from the department April 30, two weeks after Garners family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit over the arrest. The citys human resources department and an outside group will conduct an internal investigation into the incident and decide whether more officers should be disciplined. The results of the independent assessment were released publicly and presented to the city council in January. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Three police officers involved in the arrest and detention of 73-year-old Karen Garner, who has dementia, last summer have resigned, Loveland police officials. "What you saw on the video was not the Loveland Police Department. Another sergeant, Antolina Hill, was reassigned. Updated he asks. Loveland, Colorado, police officers watch body camera footage of Karen Garner's arrest. FORT COLLINS, CO - MAY 5, 2022: Former Loveland Police Officer Austin Hopp speaks to the judge during his sentencing hearing Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the Larimer County Justice Center in Fort Collins. Carrying a wildflower in her hand, she failed to comply to multiple orders to stop. A former Loveland police officer says he was wrongfully fired in October and is asking a jury to overturn the decision and award him back pay, according to a lawsuit filed in December. Loveland, Colo., Police Department body-camera video from June 26, 2020, shows the violent arrest of Karen Garner, a 73-year-old with dementia. An innocent, elderly, disabled and severely injured resident of the United States of America was left handcuffed to a bench in a holding cell while the arresting officers laughed, joked and gloated about the arrest while watching their own body camera footage, Ritter said, and questioned how the incident was handled internally. She was forced to sit in a holding cell without medical attention for hours, even after Hopp, Jalali and another Loveland employee were heard on security footage acknowledging that she may have injuries. Well, I thought it went great, Hopp says, adding, I think we crushed it., Later in the video, as officers begin watching, Jalali, who assisted in the arrest, says body camera footage is like live TV.. We wish him the best in his new role, Loveland City Manager Steve Adams said. Officers Austin Hopp, Tyler Blackett and Daria Jalali were placed on administrative leave over the incident, along with Sgt. Garners daughter, Allisa Swartz appeared at a press conference and spoke about the cruelty the cops showed when the recording of them mocking her mom who was in agonizing pain. The city settled on a $3 million payment stemming from the suit filed on behalf of Garner. Two Loveland Police Officers Involved In - Colorado Public Radio Those are the words of Loveland Police Officer Daria Jalali, said with a smile, after her Show more Show more GOVERNOR REAGAN AS GUEST WITH JOHNNY CARSON - 03/15/75 Edward Everitt 1M views 9. City of Loveland via YouTube/ lovgov.org On September 7, the City. Former Loveland police officer sues for wrongful termination Why are only two officers charged?. The incident occurred in 2020 but a lawsuit wasnt filed until last year. Bodycam footage shows Loveland officers save unconscious woman from Loveland Police Chief Robert Ticer said at a news conference Friday that Hopp, Blackett and Jalali "are no longer employed" with the department but declined to specify whether they resigned or were terminated. I am proud that we were able to strengthen staffing levels and benefits for our officers while providing state-of-the-art equipment, to include sport utility vehicles for patrol and body-worn cameras to better serve our community. Hopp responds by roughly taking Garner to the ground, handcuffing her and then forcing Garner to her feet. His reported romantic interest and fellow former officer Jalali who assisted Hopp to cuff 73-year-old Karen Garner - was charged with failing to report use of force, failing to intervene and official misconduct, the Associated Press reported. The body camera footage can be heard but not seen on the police station video. Body camera footage from Hopp showed him approaching Garner as she walked home. May 5, 2022 / 4:00 PM Plus, his attorneys allege the records technician testified that she, not Ashe, ran the search and that the policy surrounding what involves running a query of records is ambiguous. RELATED: Loveland Police to require training by Alzheimer's Association after excessive force allegation, SUGGESTED VIDEOS:Investigations from 9Wants to Know. The bodycam footage shows Hopp chase down Garner, who is 5ft tall and weighs just 80 pounds, and tackle her to the ground as she shouts: "I'm going home.". She then confirmed the blood belongs to Garner. It asks that the jury to reverse his termination, pay him back pay and benefits and award any further damages as is decided proper by this court. It also asks for the city to pay court costs and his attorney fees. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Former Loveland cop Austin Hopp and fellow former officer Daria Jalali face criminal charges for a 2020 arrest where 73-year-old Karen Garner's shoulder was dislocated, Credit: Sarah Shiekle/Life and Liberty Law Office, The police officers were fired after the bodycam of the arrest and CCTV footage of them giggling and fist-bumping following the booking of Garner, Karen Garner and her family filed an excessive force lawsuit accusing former Loveland Police Officer Austin Hopp of dislocating her shoulder during her arrest, The 73-year-old woman with dementia was walking on the shoulder of a highway before she was tackled and wounded during a violent arrest, Former Loveland Police Officer Austin Hopp, 26, allegedly dislocated 73-year-old's arm while attempting to bring her into custody, Credit: Loveland Police Department/Facebook, Officer Hopp's bodycam shows Garner being aggressively tackled to the ground as she kept repeating she was heading home, Former Loveland Police Officer Daria Jalali, 27, arrived to assist Officer Hopp, Jalali can be seen in the bodycam video pinning helping Hopp to pin Garner to the police car, The injured 73-year-old was forced to suffer for two hours in a jail cell, Garner was visibly bruised and wounded following the June 26, 2020 arrest, An arm fracture Garner is believed to have suffered at the hands of arresting Loveland police officers, The former police officers enjoy themselves while reviewing the aggressive tactics against the 73-year-old woman, It was discovered that the officers were romantically involved and living together even while Officer Hopp was still married, Both cops were fired and they're not facing criminal prosecution for the incident, Dementia sufferer, 73, left with dislocated shoulder and fractured arm after cop tackled her at Walmart when she forgot to pay $13, Arrest warrants issued for loved-up Colorado cops fired after vid of them laughing over breaking dementia-sufferers arm, Moment Geraldo Rivera throws notes at camera as he and and Dan Bongino have ANOTHER on-air meltdown over Gaza bloodshed, Cash Gernon murder - Texas woman Monica Sherrod who cared for tragic boy, 4, gives tearful account of chilling kidnap, 'Overwhelming evidence' points to Covid originating at Wuhan lab, House Intelligence Committee Republicans say, Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg at center of New York AG's criminal tax investigation, report claims, Tucker Carlson likens Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to a NAZI after she refuses questions from white reporters, Herd of cows stare scarily into camera moments before almost trampling a woman to death, Beaming Princess Beatrice shows off baby bump after announcing she's pregnant on Harry and Meghan's anniversary. The officers did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment. An audible pop is heard on the camera, something Hopp acknowledged hearing in footage later released by Loveland police. After serving on the LPD for nearly six years, Bob Ticer is leaving to take the position as chief of the Prescott Valley Police Department in Arizona. Schielke said the arresting officers told the Larimer County Jail staff that Garner was uninjured despite obvious signs that she had painful injuries. Garners family felt relief that Hopp and Jalali are being prosecuted, but still want to see harsher charges for the two former officers as well as charges filed against other officers involved in the arrest, attorney Sarah Schielke said at a news conference. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Former Loveland police officer Austin Hopp appears for preliminary Department spokesman Tom Hacker later confirmed they had resigned. Garner's family felt the video in the case proved Hopp was guilty on all counts beyond a reasonable doubt. Psychologist Kathi Fanning, who is the director of training for the Center for Trauma and Resilience, said that kind of reaction from the officers could be a sign of desensitization. The city of Loveland declined to comment for this article because of the pending litigation. The LPD officers on administrative leave include: Schielke alleges the video shows the three arresting officers watching body camera video of Garner's arrest, laughing and celebrating the excessive force, and fist-bumping the fact that one of the officers intimidated a citizen who stopped to make a complaint. Arresting Officer, Two Others Resign After Lawsuit Says They Celebrated The city of Loveland has not filed a response in court, and City Attorney Moses Garcia said he could not comment on pending litigation. According to LPD, Hopp is seen in that video saying the arrest went "great" and commenting about the moment he dislocated Garner's shoulder. Garner filed a federal lawsuit this month saying Hopp dislocated her shoulder when she was arrested and that she did not receive medical care for about six hours after being taken to the county jail. Samson received the support of Mayor Jacki Marsh and councilors Ball and Molloy for the council to discuss creating a citizen board to oversee law enforcement activities. The lawsuit says that Garner "was bleeding from the nose, forehead, and wrist, all over herself.". Ashe was not involved in Garners arrest or the civil lawsuit filed against the department and several officers, including Metzler. A Warner Bros. The Larimer County District Attorney's Office later announced there would be an independent investigation of the incident led by Fort Collins Police with help, as needed, from the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI. Jalali then arrives on scene. You can see in the video how theyre laughing at my mom, Swartz said, according to the AP. House votes to create January 6 Commission to investigate Capitol riot - but Senate GOP set to scupper 'biased' probe, Loveland Police Chief Robert Ticer repeated twice during a press conference on Wednesday, resigned from the Loveland Police Department in Colorado when a federal lawsuit was filed last month. "We failed, and we are very sorry for that.". That's how it works," Jalali says. But Hopps affidavit shows that Hopp did file a report. McLaughlin said in the statement that he will consider the officers' comments about the arrest, along with other evidence, in making his charging decision. Once fiercely independent, happy, carefree and a great lover of the outdoors, she is now fearful, distrusting, reclusive., Schielke said in a press release that theres been enough investigating. I know theres a desire to talk in public there is, at this point, information that we just cant share that way, Adams said. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Those actions, according to the suit, were determined to be a violation of department policy. Former Loveland police officer Austin Hopp enters the courtroom for his preliminary hearing Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the Larimer County Justice Center. Hopp the first officer to arrive on scene faces charges of second-degree assault, attempt to influence a public servant and official misconduct, court records show. Ashe was fired after he allegedly asked a records division technician to search for records pertaining to Sgt. Police were. He questioned why council members were not told about the second video prior to it being released by Garners attorney. The charges for former officers Austin Hopp, 26, and Daria Jalali, 27, come after the 8th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) completed its review of the violent arrest of Garner, who has dementia. excessive force lawsuit that resulted in a $290,000 settlement by the city in January 2021. The arrest, captured on an officers body camera, repeatedly shows Garner saying, Im going home, to the arresting officer. They resigned," Garner's attorney, Schielke said in a statement later Friday. One of the officers, Austin Hoppis facing felony assault and other charges, which a possible plea deal is being negotiated and the family is rejecting. The Moving can be an exciting experience. The news comes a day after Garner's attorney released a video that she said shows the officers knew of her injuries and neglected to provide her with medical attention. Loveland police are undergoing trainings for Alzheimer's awareness and deescalation. As the officers watched the bodycam footage that showed Hopp holding Garner against a patrol car, Hopp said, "Ready for the pop?" Hopp was hit with assault, attempting to influence a public servant and official misconduct. Both Hopp and Jalali worked in previous law enforcement jobs before joining the Loveland Police Department. After a brief investigation, Hopp resigned from the Loveland Police Department, as did Jalali. Three Colorado police officers no longer employed after arrest of 73 Karen Garner suffered a dislocated shoulder, fractured arm and sprained wrist after she was slammed to the ground and hogtied during a June 26 arrest, according to a federal lawsuit. Additionally, he said the department is mandating training around mental health conditions, specifically Alzheimers and dementia, and including the City Attorneys Office and Human Resources staffers on the review of use-of-force reports entered into the BlueTeam software suite. An. She said it was "unacceptable" that Metzler and Hill remain with the department. He said that the same administrative policies that all officers are required to follow require Ticer to issue a final written warning and said the department head, in this case the chief, shall consult with human resources on any such decision. Soon after the lawsuit was filed, Ticer showed contrition. The 8th Judicial District Attorneys Office of Colorado said last week it has requested a review of the incident. A fourth officer, Sgt. the violent arrest of a 73-year-old woman. As fellow now-former officer Daria Jalali responded to the scene, Hopp allegedly separated Garner's shoulder by forcing her arm behind her back and up near her shoulder blades. Hopp, 26, and Jalali, 27, were reportedly in a romantic relationship. Her lawyer, Sarah Schielke, said the officers dislocated Garner's shoulder, broke a bone in her arm and sprained her wrist. The lawsuit, which was filed on Dec. 16, claims that Ticer decided to fire Ashe on Oct. 1 for allegedly violating a department policy on records access. CNN has contacted the Fraternal Order of Police numerous times and has not heard back. ", More:Fort Collins man sues Loveland police officer, alleges wrongful DUI arrest. Hopp worked for the Nacogdoches Police Department in Texas and at the Monroe County Sheriffs Office in Florida, according to records obtained by The Denver Post through a records request. Our hearts could not possibly ache any more, the statement read. Metzler remains at the department on paid administrative leave and prosecutors did not charge him criminally. "The Loveland Police Department is comprised of men and women that are out there taking calls for service right now, that are working very hard and honoring the community and servicing with integrity and value and being trustworthy.". Colorado police officers involved in Karen Garner force - USA TODAY The suit claims that Ashe was fired on that day for asking a records technician to do a search of reports involving Sgt. Are you finished? Loveland Police Chief Ransom Karen Garner Settlement Update - Westword Multiple charges filed against former Loveland officers in arrest of 73 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The pop refers to something in the video, but its not clear what that is. In the video, Hopp gives Jalali a fist bump when asked how the arrest went. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. All rights reserved. As for the Loveland community, we will build upon recent progress in strengthening trust in our police department. Loveland Police Department | City of Loveland - Loveland, Colorado According to the lawsuit, Garner spent two hours inside an LPD jail cell and an additional three hours inside a cell at the Larimer County Jail. CNN Three more Colorado police officers have been placed on administrative leave in connection with the violent arrest of a 73-year-old woman with dementia, according to the Loveland. (Warning: The content in this video is graphic and may be disturbing to some viewers.). Cant take statins? On Wednesday, Justine Bruno with the Loveland City Managers Office told CNN that Jalali along with officers Tyler Blackett and Philip Metzler were placed on administrative leave. That is when Hopp is seen grabbing Garner by the arm and forcefully taking her to the ground. Three Colorado police officers 'no longer employed' after arrest of 73 LPD publicly claimed earlier this month that they were unaware of the incident until the lawsuit was filed, nearly a year after the incident happened. Prosecutors charged Jalali with three misdemeanors: failing to report excessive use of force, failure to intervene in an excessive use of force and official misconduct. Ashe is requesting a jury overturn Ticer's decision to fire him and award him back pay and compensation for lost benefits since his termination.