A shocking video showing a San Bernardino police officer violently slamming a 17-year-old girl to the ground has gone viral, sparking public outrage and demands for justice. The incident happened on May 21 outside a Food4Less store in San Bernardino, California, and has led to calls for an independent investigation by the California Attorney General.
What Led to the Violent Arrest?
Police were responding to a report of a trespassing and attempted fight at the grocery store. According to reports, several teenagers were in the parking lot when officers arrived, and most scattered. However, one teen girl, identified only as Erin, became the focus of attention.
Four officers approached Erin, and one began attempting to handcuff her. After getting one cuff on her wrist, she reportedly resisted. The situation escalated quickly—the officer forcefully flipped her face-first into the ground, a moment captured partially on video and widely shared on social media.
What the Video Shows
Though the full takedown isn’t entirely visible due to a parked police vehicle, the video captures the moment Erin’s legs are flung up as she’s slammed to the ground. Bystanders can be heard shouting, and two officers are seen brandishing batons at the person recording.
The scene disturbed viewers nationwide. Erin’s father, Christopher Crowser, described his daughter being treated like a “ragdoll” and slammed so hard that her chin split open and her wrist was dislocated.
Injuries and Aftermath
Erin suffered cuts, cement burns, a dislocated wrist, and lingering body pain. Her mother, Tanya Brownridge, told the media that the teen is still in pain days later and has required several hospital visits. Erin also revealed the emotional toll: “I’m scared to go to sleep… Even taking out the trash makes me anxious now.”
Conflicting Reports and Police Statement
The San Bernardino Police Department defended the officer’s actions in a statement, claiming Erin was resisting arrest and the officer used a “takedown maneuver” as she tried to walk away. They insisted that their use of force is based on behavior, not age, race, or gender.
However, Erin’s family says that the story doesn’t add up. They claim she was being targeted despite not causing trouble and was attacked without reason. They also accuse the department of giving conflicting accounts of what happened in the hours after the incident.
Family and Public Reaction
During a press conference, Erin’s mother, grandmother, and attorney spoke emotionally about her suffering. “She’s a baby,” said her grandmother, Rhonda Taylor. “That grown man knocked her out cold. It’s not OK.”
The family has retained legal counsel and says they plan to file a lawsuit against the San Bernardino Police Department.
Online, the video has triggered fury, especially from users familiar with past complaints against the department. Many pointed to a recent $5 million lawsuit the city paid following the 2023 police shooting of Robert Brown. That incident also raised concerns about police conduct and accountability.
Calls for Independent Investigation
The girl’s family and supporters are now urging California Attorney General Rob Bonta to launch an independent investigation into the officer’s actions and the department’s handling of the arrest. Critics argue that the department cannot be trusted to investigate itself.
As of now, the officer involved has not been named, and the official internal investigation is ongoing.
A Community Demands Accountability
This incident has once again ignited conversations around police use of force, especially when dealing with minors or non-violent individuals. Advocates stress the importance of body camera footage, de-escalation training, and independent oversight.
Erin’s case reminds us that how law enforcement handles confrontations—particularly involving young people—can have lasting emotional and physical consequences. The pressure is now on officials to act with transparency and fairness, ensuring that justice is served and that similar incidents do not continue to occur unchecked.