National Action Network joins cause of pregnant Florida woman whose takedown arrest was caught on body camera
The Delray Beach pregnant mother of four calling for the firing of a Boca Raton police officer who threw her to the ground before arresting her has been joined by a representative of the National Action Network in calling for a full investigation.
Nerillia Laurent, her boyfriend Harry Hardy, family members, and Bryce Graham spoke to reporters outside of the Boca Raton Police Department Monday,
“We are demanding that they hold this officer accountable for his misconduct on that day because there was no incident until he arrived. And we want to make it clear that we will not tolerate this kind of misconduct from any officer in this county or in this city," said Graham.
“But honestly, to me, I want him fired. Like, I think he should not be on the force anymore," said Laurent.
Boca Raton police are investigating the incident, which happened two weeks ago when police responded to a disturbance called in by a bystander who said the couple was fighting at a Mobil gas station, Hardy pounding on the car and a small child running around, possibly in danger.
Police say Laurent repeatedly refused to provide her driver's license even when officers told her she would be arrested, and that’s when Officer McNichol – no first name provided — hauled her out of the car, put her on the ground and in handcuffs.
WPBF 25 News investigative reporter Terri Parker asked Laurent why she didn’t show her ID.
"Because I didn't need to. I didn't feel like I needed to. And he was very rude and aggressive, and he wasn't polite at all," said Laurent, who said she had committed no crime.
Police said Laurent had an active warrant for her arrest for several charges, including failure to appear and giving an officer a false name when being arrested.
Laurent was charged with resisting an officer without violence.
Hardy, who police said approached officers and failed to stop when they put hands on his chest and then ran away, was charged with battery on a police officer.
The police chief said an internal affairs investigation has been initiated into the officer’s conduct, and it will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on the outcome of that investigation.
Laurent said she may pursue a civil lawsuit.