Rochester NY Police Under Fire After Video Goes Viral of Punching Pregnant Woman During Arrest

A video of a Rochester NY police officer punching a pregnant woman in the head during an arrest has the police department under fire.

The disturbing video shows Brenda Hardaway, 21, and her 16-year-old brother,  being subdued by Rochester police.

The first 45 seconds of the five-minute video show Officer Lucas Krull pinning Hardaway face-down on the hood of a car while trying to cuff her hands behind her back.

She resists, repeatedly telling him and other officers that she’s pregnant. Krull then punches Hardaway in the back of the head and forces her to the ground before other officers help him cuff her while others take her brother into custody.

After reviewing the tape, Rochester NY Police chief James Sheppard said the police officer acted appropriately and used “tremendous restraints” while trying to subdue the Hardaway siblings.

Krull used a distraction technique that officers are taught to employ to disorient someone who’s resisting arrest, Sheppard said.

“While the video may cause concern relative to the officer’s tactics, I stress that it is important that the incident be viewed in its totality and to withhold judgment until all the facts are known, including those parts of the event that are not shown on the video,” he said.

Brenda Hardaway’s brother was the one being arrested after a call to the house about a domestic dispute, but police say she had pointed her pepper spray at the police officers which prompted her arrest.

Brenda Hardaway was charged with resisting arrest and assault. Her brother was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Sheppard said the officers actions during the arrest were being reviewed, as all uses of force by city police officers.

The review will determine whether the officers complied with the department’s training and policy, the chief said.

Source: USA Today