By Police1 Staff
SKOKIE, Ill. — A woman has filed suit against the Skokie Police Department, claiming excessive force was used during her DUI arrest earlier this year.
Cassandra Feuerstein, 47, was arrested for driving under the influence and placed into a holding cell when the incident occurred. According to NBC Chicago, Feuerstein exited the cell after requesting to call her husband and children. A surveillance tape shows Feuerstein falling headfirst into a cement bench shortly after, as officers return her to the holding unit.
The video also captures police tending to her wounds immediately following the fall.
Feuerstein claims the damage to her face was extensive – requiring reconstructive surgery that left her with a titanium plate in her cheek.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Feuerstein was also charged with resisting arrest. A document filed by police said she “knowingly resisted ... in that she pulled away from (the officer) and placed both her hands on the sides of the cell door all in an attempt to not be placed into the holding cell.” That charge was later dropped.
The officer involved has not been charged with a crime.
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