Miami-Dade Police released body camera footage Thursday after cell phone video began circulating on social media showing a woman in a wheelchair fall to the ground as officers tried to arrest her.
The video shows the woman arguing with officers as they confronted her about panhandling and trespassing outside a gas station in South Miami-Dade on Dec. 3.
The woman appears to fall out of the wheelchair as officers tried to put her in a patrol car.
Police said they released the footage in response to "numerous inquiries" and as part of their "commitment to openness and transparency."
"I have taken a personal interest in the video regarding the arrest of a disabled woman in South Miami-Dade. As a result, I've directed staff to contact organizations for disabled persons, to ensure our officers are utilizing current best practices when dealing with individuals requiring special assistance," Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said in a statement. "Although this discretionary arrest was appropriate, it's important that we continue to work with our community and social service agencies in identifying alternatives to arrest that can provide meaningful assistance to those in need while addressing the quality of life concerns of our residents and businesses."
Courtesy of our news partner at NBC Miami
