Documents: Officer Who Dragged Suspect Received No Disciplinary Action
TAMPA (CBSMiami) – No disciplinary action was taken against a Tampa Police officer after surveillance video showed him dragging a suspect who was restrained across the ground to be booked into jail.
The internal affairs investigation showed said Officer Scott Van Treese arrested Sonja Mimmenger in October for trespassing and cocaine possession, but she reportedly resisted arrest according to CBS affiliate WTSP.
Police said a "Total Appendage Restraint Position" was used to restrain her arms and legs.
At the jail, surveillance video showed Officer Van Treese removed Mimmenger from the back of his car. He then could be seen placing her stomach-down on the ground and taking off her leg restraints. Her hands and arms were then properly handcuffed behind her back.
What happened next is what became controversial. The officer is seen lifting Mimmenger up by her arm while she remained limp and making an attempt to stand up on her own.
Officer Van Treese did not provide much effort to get Mimmenger to properly stand up in the video and could be seen dragging her away as her lower body scraped across the ground.
The investigation into the matter reveals Mimmenger refused cooperation and was ultimately taken to a hospital for evaluation. While there, she allegedly claimed she was faking any medical issue.
According to the documents, Officer Van Treese should have called the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to assist in Mimmenger's transport.
In the video, a second man could be seen with Officer Van Treese who was listed as a citizen taking part in a police ride along and was not part of law enforcement.
"Officer Van Treese should have used better judgment in managing the uncooperative defendant by gaining the assistance of booking deputies," the report stated, thus putting Mimmenger "in unnecessary risk, regardless of the fact that she was uninjured."
The investigation was closed and Van Treese did not receive further discipline.
Mimmenger's criminal history includes 41 previous charges and 15 convictions.
