Arizona Officer Indicted After Video Appears to Show Force Used Against Handcuffed Pregnant Woman

Newly released body camera and surveillance footage has sparked widespread public attention after appearing to show an Arizona police officer using force against a woman who was nine months pregnant and already handcuffed during the booking process.

The former officer, identified as Carri Carrico of the Buckeye Police Department, has been indicted by a grand jury on two felony counts of aggravated assault related to separate use-of-force incidents. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Video Raises Questions About Police Use of Force

According to investigators, the incident occurred in November 2025 after the woman was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving.

Surveillance footage from the police station’s booking area allegedly shows Carrico pushing the handcuffed woman against a wall before striking her in the face while attempting to secure her to a bench. At the time, the woman was approximately 37 weeks pregnant and had her hands restrained behind her back.

Investigators stated there was no evidence that the woman assaulted the officer before the punch. The woman later reported suffering bruises, scratches, and a facial contusion following the incident.

Second Incident Also Under Investigation

The indictment also includes allegations stemming from a separate incident involving another handcuffed detainee.

Authorities say newly released footage shows Carrico striking a restrained man who had been arrested in an unrelated case. Internal investigators concluded that the force used in both incidents appeared to be unnecessary and excessive.

Officer No Longer With Department

Following the grand jury indictment, Carrico was placed on unpaid leave while administrative investigations continued. She has since resigned from the Buckeye Police Department.

Buckeye Police Chief Robert Sanders previously stated that the department is committed to accountability and maintaining public trust while the criminal case proceeds through the court system.

Criminal Case Moves Forward

Carrico has pleaded not guilty to both aggravated assault charges and is expected to face trial in the coming months.

The release of the footage has renewed debate over police accountability and the use of force against individuals already in custody, particularly those considered especially vulnerable, including pregnant detainees. The case remains ongoing, and no findings of guilt have been made by the court.