Use of force between New Castle County officers and woman under investigation

NEW CASTLE, ENG – New Castle County police are investigating a controversial incident between a driver and police officers that was caught on video and shared online.

On Saturday, June 29, a New Castle County trooper was traveling in the area of ​​Walther Road and Pulaski Highway when he observed a car committing several traffic violations, according to police.

They say the officer was able to confirm that the car’s registration was suspended and that it had no insurance. He also noticed an old bullet hole in the driver’s door that had police marks on it.

The officer then activated his hazard lights behind the car at the intersection of Pulaski Highway and Wellington Drive to initiate a traffic stop. However, the car continued on Pulaski Highway and turned right onto Brookmont Drive.

The car then continued to the Royal Farms parking lot and then backed into a parking space.

Police released bodycam video of the encounter on Thursday and said they were aware of a video circulating online (showing different camera angles).

According to bodycam footage, the driver refused to get out of the car and asked for a supervisor.

After about three minutes, several more officers arrived at the scene.

At that moment, the driver gets out of the car and a scuffle ensues. The officers can be heard ordering the woman to “get on the ground,” “not resist,” and “get off the officer’s foot.”

At one point it appears as if a police officer had hit her.

Finally, the woman is handcuffed and put into a police car.

FOX 29 has reached out to New Castle County police for more information, but said her name or any charges would not be released at this time.

New Castle County police say they are conducting a use-of-force analysis, including a detailed video review, and are also conducting an administrative investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were within protocol.

The incident has also been referred to the Delaware Department of Justice and the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.

The investigation is still ongoing.