A disturbing video showing a Henderson police sergeant using force against a woman has raised serious questions about the department’s handling of the situation. The video, obtained by 8 News Now Investigators, paints a different picture than the version of events provided by Sergeant Scott O’Ward. This footage, which surfaced through anonymous sources concerned about the potential abuse of power, highlights what they believe is an excessive use of force during a routine police interaction.
The Incident and Alleged Escalation
On October 26th, the incident began as a routine police response to a call about a woman who was reportedly under the influence and acting aggressively. The situation, however, quickly escalated. According to Sergeant O’Ward’s report, he had received a call about a disturbance at a park near Boulder Highway and Basic Road. The woman’s sister had reportedly informed the police that she was being violent. As O’Ward approached the woman, he said she became agitated, prompting a physical altercation.
In the body camera footage, O’Ward can be seen attempting to control the woman by pushing her to the ground. The sergeant claimed he was forced to use his knee to pin her shoulder to the ground, as she allegedly refused to show her other hand, which she had tucked under her waist. O’Ward suggested that the woman was concealing a sharp pencil, which he believed posed a threat. However, the body camera footage does not provide clear evidence of this pencil or any immediate threat. There is no visible pencil in the video, and the officer’s actions have come into question as a result.
Lack of Clear Evidence
One of the key points of contention in this case is the discrepancy between Sergeant O’Ward’s report and the footage. The officer’s report mentions that the woman was concealing a pencil, which was later booked into evidence. Two witnesses were said to have confirmed that the woman did not comply with the officer’s orders. However, the body camera footage obtained by the news outlet does not show the pencil or any direct threat posed by the woman.
The woman, who had reportedly been under the influence, was not visibly aggressive in the video. Instead, she was seen refusing to comply with the officer’s instructions. Despite being restrained, she was reportedly not given any medical attention, a decision that raises further questions about the appropriateness of the force used. O’Ward’s actions have been called into question, especially given his history of being involved in multiple police shootings, two of which involved unarmed individuals.
Officer’s History and Department Response
Sergeant O’Ward’s involvement in prior shootings and his record of being promoted within the Henderson Police Department has raised further concerns. According to reports, O’Ward had been involved in two separate police shootings, one of which involved an unarmed teenager. His history of using excessive force raises significant doubts about his judgment and actions in this case. Despite these incidents, O’Ward continued to be promoted within the department, suggesting potential issues with oversight and accountability.
The City of Henderson’s response to this incident has been equally contentious. Initially, city officials claimed that no records were available regarding the officer’s use of force, but later released a list that did not include the incident in question. When the news outlet requested the body camera footage in February, it was not provided until weeks later, raising concerns about transparency. Additionally, while the officer’s face was redacted in the footage, the woman’s face was left visible, an action that further complicates the matter of privacy and transparency.
The Aftermath and Public Reaction
Following the release of the footage, the City of Henderson stated that the incident was investigated internally by the department’s Internal Affairs division. However, the findings of this investigation have not been made public, and the department has been criticized for its handling of the case. The woman involved, who has a criminal record including charges of resisting an officer, was not located for comment on the matter. Nonetheless, her involvement in the incident does not negate the serious concerns raised about the police sergeant’s use of force.
This incident highlights the growing concerns about police accountability and the use of excessive force, particularly when the video evidence contradicts the officer’s account. It also raises questions about how departments handle incidents involving force and the level of transparency provided to the public. As investigations continue, the city and the police department will likely face ongoing scrutiny about their handling of this case and the broader issue of police conduct.
The Henderson Police Department’s handling of this situation will likely be a topic of debate for some time, as both the public and watchdog organizations demand answers regarding the actions of Sergeant O’Ward and the response from the department.
