A University City woman is accusing Maplewood police officers of brutality in an incident that took place in the Maplewood Commons parking lot, according to a report from KMOV.
Police responded to a complaint that a man flourished a gun at a couple with a baby over a parking spot, and found Dacia Polk sitting in the car when they arrived, and asked her to get out.
She refused.
“It felt intimidating,” Polk told KMOV. “I felt safe knowing that I could at least ask why I need to step out of my vehicle. The first officer put me in a choke hold and once I began shouting for help, the other officer grabbed me underneath my jaw trying to silence me.”
Maplewood Detective Sergeant Matthew Nighbor said Polk ignored the officers. They also noticed an empty holster in the vehicle.
“Fearing for their safety they thought the firearm may still be inside with the person in the vehicle,” Nighbor said.
Police said officers continued to attempt reason with Polk, but she kept arguing. She was then subdued by a taser and arrested for resisting arrest. A gun was found on the man Polk was with, who was also arrested.
Nighbor said the department, including the chief, reviewed the case and found officers responded appropriately. Polk and her attorney have said they may pursue legal action against the department.
See the full report by KMOV.