WASHINGTON (CN) - Police surrounded a woman trying to leave the World Bank protest, slammed her face into a car and threw her to the ground, she claims in federal court.
Nicole Armbruster claims she was attacked while trying to leave the April 21, 2012, protest against the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
After seeing another protester standing in the street, Armbruster allegedly reached for the protester's hand to keep her moving. Police Officer Eric Frost and other members of the District of Columbia police then descended, according to the complaint.
"Officer Frost grabbed Ms. Armbruster and, assisted by several other MPD officers, pulled her over to the side of a car," she says.
"Officer Frost, without warning, then slammed Ms. Armbruster's face into the hood of the car."
Armbruster says she was not trying to escape or resist Frost, but that he applied excessive force.
"After Ms. Armbruster had been bent over the hood of the car for approximately ten seconds, not moving, Officer Frost, without warning, assisted by one or more officers, threw Ms. Armbruster to the ground, causing cuts and bruises to her face and bruises to her knee," the complaint states.
"Once Ms. Armbruster was on the ground, Officer Frost placed his knee on Ms. Armbruster's torso and leaned into her, causing Ms. Armbruster to be unable to breathe and also causing her severe pain," she adds.
Armbruster says she was later treated for her injuries at a hospital. She says Frost arrested her, but the charges were later dismissed.
She wants Frost and the city to pay punitive damages for assault and battery and civil rights violations.
Armbruster is represented by Jeffrey Light.
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