A San Francisco woman says she was the victim of police brutality after being violently thrown against a wall by police who accused her of crossing where she wasn’t supposed to. The officer suffered a concussion and a shoulder injury, among other injuries.
Christiana Porter, 34, says she was wrongfully stopped on July 29 while crossing the street in front of a police car in the Richmond neighborhood.
“What did I do wrong? I’m just walking down the street,” Porter told the local Fox station KTVU on monday.
Video footage shows an officer driving against traffic to confront Porter. Porter was wearing headphones and was apparently unaware that he was trying to get her attention.
After getting out of the police car, the officer pushes Porter against a wall.
A San Francisco woman is accusing police of brutality after a violent arrest for crossing a street where there is no public right of way.
Christiana Porter (pictured), 34, says she was wrongfully stopped on July 29 while crossing the street in front of a police car in Richmond County.
Bystander video footage shows Porter shouting, “I’m not resisting.”
“Honestly, as a black woman, I’m just trying to stay alive. I was thinking about my five kids, how I could get home to my kids,” she said.
More officers arrived on the scene with sirens blaring to help the aggressive officer.
“I just don’t trust them anymore,” Porter said. “I really don’t trust them. I feel like they’re abusing their power and authority and using it to abuse, harass and intimidate citizens.”
Officer Josh McFall justified the use of force by arguing that Porter was not following the rules. She refused to identify herself and keep her hands visible.
He told a witness he felt compelled to take action because he was concerned about possible weapons hidden in Porter’s pockets or bag.
“I didn’t want it to end this way, but when people put me in that position, I have no choice,” McFall told the witness.
Porter suffered a concussion, a torn shoulder and nerve damage.
She claims the officer ignored her statement that she was a survivor of domestic violence, which only worsened her trauma.
“I’m not a threat, I’m just trying to get my life back,” she said through tears. “When I told him I was a survivor, he just said, ‘I don’t care, this doesn’t matter right now.'”
Her lawyers allege the officer violated department rules by giving her a ticket for crossing without an immediate safety risk. They also criticize the disproportionate use of force for a minor violation and question why Porter was on their radar given the city’s serious crime epidemic.
Video footage shows an officer driving against traffic to confront Porter, who was wearing headphones and apparently unaware he was trying to get her attention
After getting out of his police car, the officer pushes Porter against a wall
“There are more serious crimes that need to be addressed by the San Francisco Police Department, especially since they claim they are understaffed,” said attorney Lateef Gray.
Attorney Treva Stewart suggested that Officer McFall’s actions were driven by personal anger rather than legitimate law enforcement concerns. She characterized the incident as an example of “officer contempt.”
A new law introduced by MP Phil Ting decriminalises crossing the road where traffic is not allowed, unless there is a danger to pedestrians or drivers.
“If something happens that endangers the pedestrian or the driver, then a fine should be issued,” Ting said.
The incident sparked outrage and renewed calls for police reform.