Video Shows Cops Laughing At Body Cam Footage Of Elderly Woman's Violent Arrest

Newly released footage shows Colorado cops laughing while watching bodycam footage of their department injuring an elderly woman during an arrest.

Loveland police officers arrested Karen Garner, 73 in June of 2020 after Walmart reported she had tried to shoplift $13 worth of items. 

Garner's attorney Sarah Schielke has since filed a lawsuit against the department for use of excessive force and serious bodily injury during an arrest. She claims her client suffered a fractured arm and dislocated shoulder. Furthermore, she says that Garner, who has dementia and sensory aphasia, has been withdrawn and depressed since the incident. Bodycam footage of the arrest has drawn criticism of the department and last week, the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that they have requested an official review of the incident.

Schielke released new footage on Monday that shows police officers watching the bodycam footage at the police department while Garner sits handcuffed to a bench in a cell just a few feet away.

In this undated photo provided by Allisa Swartz, is Karen Garner, who is suing Loveland, Colorado and three of its police officers over her arrest in June 2020. Photo: AP

Arresting officer Austin Hopp and his coworker Daria Jalali watch the footage as Jalali remarks on how much she enjoys watching bodycam footage, comparing it to live television. At one point, she asks if Garner is holding flowers during the arrest; Hopp confirms.

Then, with seeming glee, Hopp asks Jalali and another male officer present, “Ready for the pop?” 

When the male officer asked what popped, Hopp replies, “I think it was her shoulder.” 

“The comment was made while Karen Garner, who has dementia, remained handcuffed to a bench in a cell just 10 feet away from them, alone, confused and crying in pain,” Schielke states. "She would ultimately go over six hours without any medical attention.”

The Loveland Police Department claimed on April 15 that they had only learned of allegations and injuries regarding Garner’s arrest one day prior. They stated that they have put Hopp on administrative leave and reassigned an assisting officer.

Following the "pop," Jalali asks the other officers to stop playing the video, stating, “I hate this.” 

 “I love it,” Hopp says. “I can’t believe I threw a 73-year-old on the ground.”

The Loveland Police Department has not immediately replied to Oxygen.com’s request for comment.

“The video reveals a grotesque culture of callous disregard for the health and safety of citizens,” Schielke said. “The officers fist bump one another multiple times in self-congratulation for both the assault on Garner and the intimidation of the citizen who attempted to complain about it.”