Aaron Bowman (2019)
Overview
On May 31, 2019, Ouachita Parish Louisiana Sheriff's Office Deputy Donovan Ginn stopped Bowman for an improper lane change. Bowman did not immediately stop, and Ginn claimed Bowman was uncooperative in exiting the vehicle and while being handcuffed.[1][2] Louisiana State Police Trooper Jacob Brown arrived as he "was in the area and was trying to get involved".[3]
Bowman claimed that Ginn and other officers beat him "terribly".[2] Brown hit Bowman with the butt-end of his flashlight 18 times in 24 seconds. The flashlight had a pointed end, intended for shattering car windows.[3]
Bowman suffered a broken jaw, three broken ribs, a broken wrist, and a cut to his head that required six staples.[3]
Days later, Bowman was charged with battery of a police officer, resisting an officer, and improper lane usage.[4][3]
The incident was captured on at least one officer's body-worn camera and Bowman's home security camera.[2]
Brown claimed the blows were for "pain compliance" to allow troopers to handcuff Bowman.[3]
Brown failed to report the use of force, and tagged his body-worn camera footage as a "citizen encounter".[3]
Bowman's defense attorney was initially told that there was no video of the incident.[3]
On September 21, 2020, Bowman filed a lawsuit against the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office, Ginn, and other officers for use of excessive force.[5][6][3]
On October 19, 2020, Brown was placed on administrative duty.[7]
On November 17, 2020, the department opened an investigation.[3]
Investigators noted that Brown made "an intentional attempt to hide the video from any administrative review".[3]
On December 10, 2020, Brown was charged with aggravated second degree battery and malfeasance in office.[8]
On March 9, 2021, the Bowman withdrew his federal lawsuit and moved the other charges to state court.[9]
On March 10, 2021, Brown, who was also involved in the Morgan Blake and Antonio Harris incidents, resigned.[4]
On August 25, 2021, the department said that Brown "engaged in excessive and unjustifiable actions", failed to report the use of force, and "intentionally mislabeled" his body-worn camera video.[3]
On September 23, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Brown on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. Brown faces up to 10 years in prison.[10][11]
In October 2021, Brown pleaded not guilty.[12]
On July 25, 2022, the charges against Bowman were dropped.[13]
On August 2, 2023, a federal jury acquitted Brown of deprivation of rights under color of law.[14]
Video
The incident was captured on Brown's body-worn camera.[15]
Officers Involved
Official Reports
Additional Sources
References
- ↑ Jonathan Freeman, OPSO, Monroe Police, State Police named in excessive force lawsuit, myarklamiss.com, 2020-12-11
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bowman v. Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office, et al Second Amended Complaint, U.S. District Court, 2021-02-23
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 Jake Bleiberg, ‘Pain compliance’: Video shows trooper pummeling Black man, AP, 2021-08-25
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Monroe-area state trooper resigns following multiple arrests involving excessive force, KNOE, 2021-03-12
- ↑ Ashley Mott,Louisiana trooper struck man 18 times in 24 seconds, concealed video: LSP warrant, News Star, 2020-12-011
- ↑ Bowman v OPSO et al Complaint, U.S. District Court, 2020-10-22
- ↑ Kevin McGill, Trooper faces battery, malfeasance charges in 2019 incident, AP, 2020-12-10
- ↑ Louisiana State Trooper arrested on charges of battery and malfeasance in office, KNOE, 2020-12-10
- ↑ Bowman vs. Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office, U.S. District Court, 2021-03-09
- ↑ Jake Bleiberg, Louisiana state trooper charged in pummeling of Black man, AP, 2021-09-24
- ↑ Louisiana State Police Officer Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charge for Assaulting Arrestee, U.S. Department of Justice, 2021-09-23
- ↑ Jim Mustian, In Louisiana, a father, a son and a culture of police abuse, WAFB, 2021-10-26
- ↑ Matthew Segura, Charges against Aaron Bowman dropped months after officer’s indictment, KNOE, 2022-07-27
- ↑ Jury acquits a white Louisiana trooper caught on camera beating a Black motorist, NPR, 2023-08-03
- ↑ ONLYONAP Video shows US trooper pummeling Black man, AP News, 2021-08-25
Recent articles: Michael Shaw, Shawn Foutch (2022), Alaa Bartley, Austin Wiser, Lucas Ritter
