UPDATE: Shocking bodycam footage released today shows Lake County Sheriff’s deputies using excessive force during the arrest of Shikeia Randolph, a pregnant woman, at a gas station in Gary, Indiana, on June 5, 2023. Randolph’s lawyer claims the video supports her allegations of brutality, which allegedly contributed to her miscarriage just three months later.
The footage depicts Randolph, aged 31, being forcibly removed from her red Chevrolet Trailblazer despite her repeated cries of, “I’m (expletive) pregnant!” As officers struggle to handcuff her, her children can be heard crying in the back seat, amplifying the distressing nature of the incident.
In a federal lawsuit filed in August, Randolph accuses deputies, including Officer Peter Hamady, of excessive force during what her legal team describes as a “pretextual” traffic stop. Randolph was pulled over at 3:24 a.m. for an alleged issue with a license plate cover, which quickly escalated when officers discovered a school truancy warrant against her.
According to the nearly 40-minute bodycam video, officers ordered Randolph to call someone to pick up her children to avoid involving child protective services. “Call CPS for what?” she responds, confused and fearful. The arrest escalates further when officers demand she exit her vehicle, resulting in an alarming struggle.
Randolph’s attorney, Matthew Custardo, argues that the use of force was unjustified, stating, “She’s scared. She has every reason to be a little concerned about what’s going on.” The situation intensified when Randolph attempted to roll her window up slightly to talk to her mother on the phone, prompting officers to forcibly open her car door.
After the arrest, footage from inside Hamady’s police car reveals a conversation that highlights the absurdity of the situation. Hamady states he was unaware of the truancy warrant and even congratulates Randolph on her pregnancy. “Well, congrats to you,” he remarks, seemingly oblivious to the trauma she has just experienced.
Randolph’s lawsuit not only seeks justice for her individual case but also addresses a broader issue within the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, alleging patterns of inadequate training and lack of accountability. The department has not provided comments on the incident, citing ongoing litigation, while Hamady’s legal counsel argues that his actions were “objectively reasonable” and protected by qualified immunity.
As public outrage grows over the footage and the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the community is left grappling with the implications of this incident. Randolph expressed her emotional turmoil upon viewing the video, stating, “It matches the exact story I’ve been telling for so long.”
The case has drawn significant media attention, and a pretrial diversion hearing is scheduled for August 15. However, recent court filings indicate potential complications, as Randolph and her fiancé face additional charges stemming from another incident just weeks after her arrest.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond Randolph, tapping into larger issues of police conduct and the treatment of individuals during traffic stops. As the public awaits further developments, the emotional toll on Randolph and her family remains palpable, exemplifying the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
