This shocking incident sparked national outrage. CBS Denver reports. Austin Hopp pleaded guilty Wednesday in an assault case. He will be sentenced to 2-8 years imprisonment, instead of the 10-30 years he would have faced if convicted at trial.
Karen Garner, a woman who allegedly stole $15 worth of merchandise from Walmart in June 2020, was stopped by employees and asked to return the items. Then, she left the store.
The officer later identified as Hopp was seen following Hopp on her return walk from her arrest via body camera footage. The footage shows that he forced her to kneel down and pulled her arms behind her back in an attempt to force her to stop.
He and another officer attempted to put her in a vehicle. She was pressed up against her neck by him, while he held it. Are you finished? This is not a game.
According to her attorney, her arm was broken and her shoulder was split. She was also covered in bruises from the arrest.
Also, her attorney stated that she was not taken to the hospital when she was arrested. She was kept in a cell for six hour before receiving medical attention. Later, the charges against her were dropped.
Garner’s family released video and filed a federal civil right lawsuit against Garner for her arrest in April 2021. This prompted a district attorney to request a criminal review. The family attorney released video footage that showed officers laughing at the video of Garner’s arrest and pretending to know she was hurt.
“Ready to pop?” Hopp spoke in the second video about the moment she appeared to have her shoulder dislocated. Hear the pop!
Hopp replied that he thought it was her shoulder.
Three of the officers involved, including Hopp, resigned days later. was charged in May with second-degree attack, attempting to influence public servants, and official misconduct. Another officer was also charged with failure to report force use, failing to intervene, and official misconduct.
In September 2021, the city made a $3 Million settlement with Garner and his family.
In a statement, Steve Adams, city manager, said that he and his team had to apologize to Karen Garner’s family for the hardships they endured because of this arrest. We know that we didn’t act in accordance with the policies, values, and integrity of the City and the police department. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure these actions don’t happen again.
Allisa Swartz, Garner’s little girl, stated in May that she didn’t want this to happen to any other families.
Hopp will be sentenced May 5th by CBS Denver .
