Springfield, Ore. — A lawsuit filed by a local woman alleges that a police officer used excessive force during a traffic stop, raising concerns about the Springfield Police Department’s accountability following a previous settlement regarding use-of-force incidents.
Megan Hanks claims in her lawsuit that Officer Joseph Burke forcefully removed her from her vehicle during a traffic stop on July 1, 2022. She alleges that Burke slammed her head and body against her car multiple times, a response she argues was excessive for what she describes as a minor offense. Hanks was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
According to the lawsuit, which was lodged in U.S. District Court in Eugene on June 13, this incident fits into a pattern of excessive use of force by Springfield officers. The legal filing references a 2020 settlement agreement stemming from a fatal police shooting, which stipulated that the city must review its use-of-force policies and conduct necessary assessments of such incidents.
The lawsuit asserts that, since the settlement, the Springfield Police Department has inadequately investigated instances of force and frequently engages in practices that could lead to constitutional violations. It notes that a Force Review Committee, established as part of the settlement, has only convened twice, suggesting a lack of oversight and enforcement.
According to city policy, a use-of-force review should be triggered by circumstances such as serious injury or medical treatment requirements. Despite 158 recorded use-of-force events last year, most were reviewed internally by sergeants and lieutenants, with only specific cases escalating to the Force Review Committee.
Elyse Ditzel, a spokeswoman for the city, stated that Springfield does not comment on ongoing litigation. However, she emphasized that the police department is dedicated to lawful and community-focused policing efforts.
The lawsuit details the events of the traffic stop, indicating Hanks was instructed to exit her vehicle after an extended interaction with Burke and another officer. Hanks alleges that Burke aggressively yanked her from the driver’s seat, causing her to fall and sustain injuries. The suit suggests Burke escalated the situation by physically assaulting Hanks even after she was subdued.
Burke reportedly expressed concerns that Hanks might drive away, although he failed to order her to turn off the vehicle during the stop. Once outside, Hanks claims Burke pulled her by the hair and slammed her head against her car, continuing to utilize excessive force despite her being handcuffed.
Hanks, according to her attorney, Kevin Yolken, has incurred medical costs and lost wages, as she continues to deal with both physical and emotional upheaval from the incident. The lawsuit seeks both economic and non-economic damages.
Yolken criticized Burke’s actions, asserting that the officer’s response escalated a minor traffic stop into a violent encounter. He expressed hope that this lawsuit will compel accountability for Burke’s actions as well as for systemic issues within the department that may contribute to officer misconduct.
This lawsuit serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing concerns surrounding police conduct and accountability in Springfield, with echoes of previous incidents still resonating within the community.
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