I'm surprised no one has posted about this yet, and this is NOT intended to bash LEOs. From viewing the videos, it does appear to me that the officer's actions were excessive -- but in a situation like this and a political climate like today, just how should it be handled?
A 16-yr old kid should have the sense and maturity to know that she is required to obey orders from authorities -- specifically, to quit texting in class, surrender her phone to the teacher, and/or leave the classroom, none of which she complied with. Videos taken by students and posted online show Officer Fields warning the girl to leave her seat or be forcibly removed. When she doesn't get up from her desk, the officer wraps a forearm around her neck, flips her and the desk backward onto the floor, tosses her toward the front of the classroom and handcuffs her.
It's interesting that the sheriff said the initial video made him want to "throw up", but he also said that a teacher and vice principal in the classroom at the time felt the officer acted appropriately.
Initial reports said the girl was not injured, but this morning I read that she now has a cast on her arm, she has neck and back injuries, and a Band-Aid on her forehead where she suffered rug burn. Of course, her family has already announced intentions to sue.
A 16-yr old kid should have the sense and maturity to know that she is required to obey orders from authorities -- specifically, to quit texting in class, surrender her phone to the teacher, and/or leave the classroom, none of which she complied with. Videos taken by students and posted online show Officer Fields warning the girl to leave her seat or be forcibly removed. When she doesn't get up from her desk, the officer wraps a forearm around her neck, flips her and the desk backward onto the floor, tosses her toward the front of the classroom and handcuffs her.
It's interesting that the sheriff said the initial video made him want to "throw up", but he also said that a teacher and vice principal in the classroom at the time felt the officer acted appropriately.
Initial reports said the girl was not injured, but this morning I read that she now has a cast on her arm, she has neck and back injuries, and a Band-Aid on her forehead where she suffered rug burn. Of course, her family has already announced intentions to sue.