San Bernardino – A troubling incident in San Bernardino has raised community concern after a police officer forced a 17-year-old girl known as Erin to the ground during an arrest, resulting in visible injuries to her face.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on May 21, 2025, outside a grocery store on the 500 block of West 2nd Street in San Bernadino. According to the San Bernardino Police Department, officers arrested Erin on suspicion of “trespassing and attempting to fight others.” Videos of the incident posted on social media show a police officer shoving Erin to the pavement.
Erin would be transported to the hospital for a laceration on her chin and scrape to her cheek. Her family also said that she suffered a dislocated wrist and passed out for a period of time. Erin’s grandmother, Rhonda Taylor, also said that there was an altercation that included numerous teenagers, yet Erin was the only teenager detained out of everyone involved.
Use of Force Against Minors in California
California law requires officers to use force only when “necessary and proportionate,” particularly when dealing with minors. Under California Penal Code § 835a, officers must evaluate the totality of circumstances, including the age, size, and perceived threat of a person being detained.
The fact that the injured individual was a minor — and reportedly unarmed — may weigh heavily in determining whether the officer’s use of force was excessive or violated departmental policy.
Patterns of Concern in Use of Force and Minors’ Legal Rights
Research by the American Psychological Association has shown that children who experience forceful encounters with police are at greater risk of psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and long-term mistrust of law enforcement institutions.
When police actions result in injuries to minors, families may have grounds to file a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, especially if the force used was excessive or violated constitutional rights.
Seeking Accountability for Officer Incidents
We at the Sehat Law Firm were disturbed to learn about this incident involving Erin, and wish her a full recovery.
At The Sehat Law Firm, we are committed to holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct. If your child has been harmed during a police interaction, we can help investigate the incident, gather critical evidence, and pursue justice on your behalf.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and so may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
