Berrien County Police are investigating after a video went viral of a woman’s arrest in Niles Tuesday.
Police report the video starts approximately 26 minutes after the initial traffic stop, and an internal investigation is being conducted regarding the incident, including a review of all dash camera videos, body camera videos, police reports and any other evidence.
A preliminary investigation reveals the woman was pulled over for a traffic violation in the 1600 block of Michigan Avenue. She then allegedly provided the deputy with a false identity, and was asked to sit in the back of the patrol vehicle without being handcuffed.
The deputy at the scene reports the 39-year-old woman continued to refuse to provide her true identity, so he went to place her in handcuffs. The woman refused to follow verbal commands and physically resisted.
The deputy then attempted to use force to take the woman into custody, and was able to secure her in handcuffs with the help of a bystander.
The woman was first taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then booked into the Berrien County Jail on the following charges:
- Resisting and Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Open Intoxicant in a Motor Vehicle
- Providing False Verbal Information to Law Enforcement
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office reports it reviews all “Use of Force” incidents. More details will be provided as they become available.
