*A civil rights lawsuit filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court is raising serious allegations against the San Bernardino Police Department, claiming an officer used excessive force against a 17-year-old girl—leaving her unconscious with a traumatic brain injury—then lied about how the injuries occurred.
The lawsuit, announced by civil rights attorney Toni J. Jaramilla, was filed on behalf of Erin Cowser and names the City of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Police Department, and individual officers as defendants.
According to the complaint, Cowser—described as unarmed and compliant—was approached from behind by an officer who grabbed her backpack, restrained her arms, and forcefully slammed her face-first onto concrete while her hands were partially restrained.
The May/2025 incident allegedly caused Cowser to lose consciousness and suffer a traumatic brain injury, memory loss, a deep facial laceration requiring stitches, and additional wrist and back injuries.
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Video Evidence Contradicts Police Narrative
The lawsuit claims both body-worn camera footage and civilian video captured the incident, contradicting statements made by officers who allegedly blamed Cowser’s injuries on other juveniles.
According to the filing, officers repeated those claims to Cowser’s family while she was hospitalized and maintained that version of events internally—even after video evidence surfaced.
The complaint further alleges that although an officer later admitted to lying during a use-of-force investigation, the department never publicly corrected its account.
“This was not a mistake — it was violence, followed by dishonesty,” Jaramilla said. “An officer took a petite, unarmed teenage girl and slammed her face-first onto concrete, then lied about it. Even when the truth came out, the department refused to correct the record.”
Victim Speaks Out
Cowser says she remembers little from the incident itself.
“I remember being terrified — and then I don’t remember anything at all,” she said. “I woke up hurt, confused, and being told things that I later learned weren’t true about what happened to me.”
Community Response
Civil rights activist Najee Ali, Director of Project Islamic Hope, strongly condemned the alleged actions.
“This police officer violently assaulted an unarmed female youth and then lied about it,” Ali said. “He shouldn’t be working in law enforcement. He should be arrested and criminally prosecuted.”
Legal Claims
The lawsuit includes claims under the Bane Civil Rights Act and Ralph Civil Rights Act, along with allegations of assault, battery, and negligence. Attorneys argue the case reflects broader concerns about excessive force and accountability within the department.
Press Conference Details
A press conference is scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the offices of Toni Jaramilla, APLC, located at 1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA (Citibank Building).
Confirmed participants include Erin Cowser and Najee Ali.
This report is based on allegations contained in a civil lawsuit. The claims have not yet been adjudicated in court. Representatives for the San Bernardino Police Department had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
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