Jessica Halling, 39, has filed a lawsuit against Colorado Springs Police Officer Gregory Campbell, accusing him of using excessive force during her arrest for suspected DUI in June 2023.
The lawsuit claims Campbell slammed Halling to the ground and pepper-sprayed her face despite her compliance. It also alleges he falsified evidence and that police and prosecutors ignored judicial concerns about his credibility.
Incident Sparks Controversy: Bodycam Footage and Neighbor Complaints
The incident began when Officer Campbell responded to neighbor complaints about Halling, including concerns about her dog and her parked car. Bodycam footage shows Campbell confronting Halling, who was sitting in her vehicle, and discovering open cans of alcohol.
Halling complied with orders but repeatedly requested a female officer during a frisk, citing discomfort with a male officer searching her waist area.
Alleged Use of Excessive Force and Pepper Spray
The lawsuit details that Campbell lifted Halling by her cuffed hands and slammed her into a patrol car, then pinned her face-down on the pavement, dropping his knee on her back. Despite Halling’s repeated requests for a female officer and no attempts to flee or resist, Campbell pepper-sprayed her twice at close range.
False Evidence and Judicial Criticism
Campbell claimed Halling resisted and tried to stand, but video evidence contradicts this. He signed a certification falsely stating he observed Halling’s blood draw used as evidence against her in the DUI case.
Judge Regina Walter ruled Campbell “incredible as a matter of law” and found “blatant use of excessive force.” The judge urged the police chief to review the bodycam footage for possible action.
Internal Investigation and Plea Deal
Despite the judge’s findings, the police internal affairs investigation cleared Campbell of wrongdoing related to pepper spray use and did not investigate alleged falsification. Halling later pleaded guilty to an open container charge; other charges were dropped.
Lawsuit Seeks Accountability and Reforms
Halling’s lawsuit accuses Campbell of violating Colorado laws on excessive force and due process. It requests damages, costs, and court orders to revoke Campbell’s Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification. The suit also calls for notifying the P.O.S.T. Board of Campbell’s misconduct and adding him to the Brady List, a registry of officers with credibility issues.
Responses and Upcoming Legal Actions
Halling’s attorney criticized the police chief and district attorney for failing to act on the judge’s findings. The Colorado Springs Police Department declined to comment on the pending lawsuit. Defendants have until June 18 to respond to the complaint.