Cop Beats Woman Shoplifter on Video

An Iowa shoplifter is contemplating legal action after a cop beat her repeatedly about the head and face—all in view of a store video camera, NBC Chicago reports. Brandie Redell admits she was trying to steal clothing at a Von Maur Department Store in February when store personnel escorted her to a security office. The office video (click the NBC Chicago link) shows Redell with her young daughter and two Davenport policemen, when one of the cops suddenly attacks her.

Another video segment shows an officer holding Redell while the other punches her. That officer, Scott Crow, says he attacked because Redell had bit his finger and refused to let go—but the video shows him attacking with both fists. As it stands, Crow has faced disciplinary action at his department, and Redell says her vision was impaired by the attack. "I think it's important to demand the same kind of accountability for him that she's facing for her shoplifting accusation," says the head of a journalism non-profit group. (More police brutality stories.)