Teen Sues Cop for Alleged Violent Arrest

Imagine being a teenager, minding your own business, and then being violently slammed to the ground by a police officer. That’s the harrowing experience 18-year-old Erin Marie Cowser alleges she endured, leading her to file a lawsuit against a San Bernardino police officer and the city. The situation is made even more disturbing by claims that video evidence contradicts the officer’s account of what happened.

The Incident and the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed earlier this month, names San Bernardino Police Department Officer Jackson Tubbs, Officer Cynthia Guillen, and the city itself. Cowser claims that on May 21, 2025, Officer Tubbs slammed her onto the ground, resulting in a concussion, traumatic brain injury, and facial lacerations. Her attorneys assert that she did nothing to provoke such a forceful response.

According to the complaint, officers were initially called to a report of a fight at a Food 4 Less grocery store. Cowser’s legal team states that Tubbs approached her, grabbed her backpack, pulled her towards a patrol car, and then threw her to the ground. Cellphone footage and body camera video from Officer Guillen reportedly captured the arrest.

Conflicting Accounts and Video Evidence

Cowser’s attorney, Toni Jaramillo, described the action as a “hip toss that flipped Erin in the air, her legs flying over her head, and she landed face-first, head-first on the concrete.” Adding to the distress, Cowser was reportedly cuffed behind her back, leaving her unable to brace for the impact. She was just 17 at the time of the incident.

San Bernardino police initially claimed Tubbs used a “takedown maneuver” because Cowser was resisting arrest and pulling away after only one wrist was cuffed. However, this account appears to be challenged by the video footage, which allegedly shows Tubbs grabbing the then-teenager by her SpongeBob SquarePants backpack without explanation before the arrest.

The Fight Allegations

Cowser and her attorneys maintain that the fight police responded to was already over by the time officers arrived. According to their account, Cowser was attacked by another group of teenagers inside the store. A security guard intervened by pepper-spraying the individuals, causing them to disperse before any officers reached the scene. Cowser was reportedly standing outside talking with friends when Tubbs approached her.

The lawsuit also accuses officers of lying about the cause of Cowser’s injuries, attributing them to the fight rather than the alleged violent actions of the officer. Video evidence, however, reportedly contradicts this claim as well. Cowser was charged with trespassing and attempting to fight other juveniles, but these charges were later dismissed.

A Disturbing Pattern?

Cowser, now 18, recounted waking up in the back of a police car on the freeway, seeing blood on her body, and being told by the officer, “You fell.” This statement, coupled with the alleged forceful takedown, raises serious questions about accountability. It’s worth noting that Officer Tubbs was involved in a 2023 incident where he shot and killed a man, a case that resulted in a $4.9 million settlement after accusations of planting evidence.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding police conduct and the importance of transparency and accountability. The legal battle ahead will likely hinge on the interpretation of the video evidence and the conflicting testimonies.