DOTHAN, Ala — A Dothan woman and her attorney are planning to call out the Dothan Police Department, accusing an officer of repeatedly hitting the woman while holding her on the ground.
Video taken by a witness on the scene shows the woman, later identified as April Franklin. A female officer is seen quickly diving for Franklin, then a car briefly obstructs the video.
After the car moves, the officer can be seen straddling Franklin on the ground and punching her at least five times while other officers attempt to handcuff her.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning, between midnight and 1:00 a.m., in the parking lot of the Elks Lodge on East Burdeshaw Street.
Dothan police say it began when Franklin got into an argument with officers who were restraining a man in the parking lot.
Witnesses on the scene tell WDHN there had been a fight inside the Elks Lodge that did not directly involve Franklin, prompting officers to be called to the scene.
According to Dothan Police Lt. Scott Owens, while officers were attempting to make a “lawful detainment or arrest” on the scene, Franklin tried to get near officers, and officers told her to back away.
Lt. Owens claims Franklin refused to back away, prompting officers to arrest her.
Owens said the female officer was “mildly” injured, suffering from swelling in the face and a bloody lip.
It is currently unknown if Franklin was injured.
Arrest records show Franklin was booked into the Dothan City Jail on charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault on a police officer. Records also show that others were arrested on Sunday and faced similar charges, however, it is currently unknown if they are related to the incident involving Franklin.
“Any use-of-force incident involving Dothan police officers is automatically and routinely reviewed by our Internal Affairs Division,” said Lt. Owens. “They (IAD) are doing likewise with this one.”
Lt. Owens said it is currently unknown if the responding officer’s body cam footage will be released.
“Chief (William) Benny wants to be transparent with the community about this and every investigation.”
Dothan Police would not comment on the personnel status of the Dothan officer who is accused of hitting Franklin.
Franklin and her attorney, Dustin Fowler, plan to hold a news conference Thursday, releasing additional information.
Via WDHN