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Teen Sues San Bernardino Police Over Alleged Body-Slam Caught on Video

Released videos set up a test of the department’s earlier takedown narrative in civil court.

Overview

  • Erin Cowser’s lawsuit, filed Friday, names Officer Jackson Tubbs, Officer Cynthia Guillen, the San Bernardino Police Department, and the city as defendants.
  • The complaint says Tubbs grabbed the then-17-year-old by her backpack outside a Food 4 Less and used a hip-toss that sent her face-first onto concrete, knocking her out.
  • Cowser alleges a traumatic brain injury with memory loss, a deep chin cut that needed stitches and left a scar, plus wrist and back injuries.
  • Her attorneys released cellphone footage and Officer Cynthia Guillen’s body-camera video, which they say contradict the department’s earlier account of a standard takedown.
  • Both the city and police have declined to comment, citing pending litigation.