LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Henderson, Nevada, police sergeant claimed in a report that he struck a woman because he believed she was going to spit on him.
However, in the body camera video obtained by affiliate KLAS, it does not appear the woman was going to spit. The incident occurred on Oct. 26, 2024, near Morrell Park by Boulder Highway and Basic Road in Henderson, Nevada.
Sergeant Scott Alward responded to a call about an alleged combative woman. Her sister had called police for help, claiming she battered her, Alward’s report stated.
The woman did not immediately comply with Alward’s commands.
“Follow simple instructions. Get in front of my car! Do it now!” Alward said. “You’re going to get taken to the ground if you don’t listen to me now.”
“Are you trying to shoot me?” the woman asked.
Alward wrote in his report that he believed the woman was going to spit in his face and used his open palm to strike her in the upper chest to redirect her body and the perceived attack.
Alward used his knee to pin the woman’s shoulder to the ground; she refused to show her other hand tucked under her waist, and there was a sharp pencil where she was lying and where she was concealing her hand, Alward wrote.
“She had that pencil in her hand and she turned towards me,” Alward told an officer. “Just make sure to take pictures, please.”
The woman and Alward both appeared to refuse medical attention.
Nevada sergeant still assigned on patrol: City officials
KLAS asked the Henderson Police Department if it believes the use of force incident was justified.
“HPD takes every UOF seriously and follows their standard review protocol,” the office of public information responded in an email.
The city confirmed that internal affairs investigated the incident.
KLAS also asked if Alward was reprimanded or faced any disciplinary action in connection with the incident.
“This matter was reviewed and handled accordingly through our internal affairs process,” the city responded. “It is our policy not to disclose personnel matters.”
Alward has been involved in several police shootings, including two in which the suspects were unarmed. Alward is still assigned to patrol, according to the city.
To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com
