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July 15, 2020

Phoenix Police Footage Shows Motorist's Violent Arrest over Minor Traffic Violation
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In Phoenix, Arizona, newly released body-camera footage shows a police
officer assaulting a 23-year-old unarmed woman after she was pulled over
for a minor traffic violation in January. The video shows officer
Michael Mc Gillis stopping Mariah Valenzuela without explanation, before
he suddenly tackles her and slams her to the ground without warning.

Mariah Valenzuela: "Why am I getting pulled over?"

Michael Mc Gillis: "Is this your car?"

Mariah Valenzuela: "No."

Michael Mc Gillis: "Bravo, John, Sam, 5-4-5-5."

Mariah Valenzuela: "Why am I getting pulled over?"

Michael Mc Gillis: "Do you have ID on you?"

Mariah Valenzuela: "No. Why am I getting pulled over?"

Michael Mc Gillis: "OK. Put your hands behind your back."

Mariah Valenzuela: "Excuse me!"

Michael Mc Gillis: "Put your hands behind your back!"

Mariah Valenzuela: "No!"

Michael Mc Gillis: "Put your hands behing your back! Stop!"

Mariah Valenzuela: [screams]

Michael Mc Gillis: "Stop!"

Mariah Valenzuela: [screams]

Michael Mc Gillis: "Stop! Hands behind your back!"

Mariah Valenzuela: [screams]

The assault left Valenzuela with injuries to her head, face, hands and
legs. The video surfaced just one week after another Phoenix police
officer was caught on camera fatally shooting James Porter Garcia while
he was in a parked car in a residential driveway over Fourth of July
weekend.


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