EspañolRiverside County Sheriff’s Office Facing Criticism After Video Shows Deputy Forcefully Arresting Female High School Student
MORENO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (May 15, 2026) – A female student at Vista Del Lago High School was violently arrested by a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy.
The incident came to light after a video began circulating on social media. The video showed a school resource officer yanking a girl up a brick wall after separating her from some type of altercation.
The deputy was pushing the girl against the wall. Some parents that saw the video are describing it as an assault against a minor.
That girl who was brutalized is facing charges of battery and resisting arrest. The deputy involved in the incident has since been reassigned from the school resource program.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Police Brutality in Riverside County
Police officers have a legal obligation to use the least amount of force necessary for any given encounter. Pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of any statute, law or ordinance, causes a citizen of the United States to be deprived of their rights secured by the constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. There are many ways that a police officer may have used excessive force.
- Restrained: A police officer may have continued to use force against a suspect who was already restrained or otherwise not resisting.
- Force Alternatives: A police officer may have resorted to punching, tackling, or kicking a suspect when less harmful means were available.
- Chokeholds: A police officer may have put a suspect in an illegal chokehold that constricted their breathing.
- Beating: A police officer may have beaten a suspect during an arrest when the person was not presenting any type of threat.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, there could be multiple sources of liability for any incident where a student is harmed on school property. Among other things, a school district could potentially be liable. Schools have a legal obligation to properly supervise students at all times of the day and protect them from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. If a school fails to supervise a student who gets involved in a fight, this could serve as evidence of negligence.
Steps to Take After Police Brutality in Riverside County
Women are accounting for an increasingly large share of police brutality incidents. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, “Women accounted for an alarming 31% of all people experiencing the threat or use of force by police, and over half of women (51%) who experienced threat or use of force in their most recent police interaction reported that such conduct by police was “excessive,” a result which is up a significant 8 percentage points from the last survey in 2018.” Certain actions should be taken after any instance of police brutality.
- Any surveillance footage that may have captured the incident should be sought.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed as early as possible, while their memories are still fresh.
- It should be determined if the officer involved has any history of misconduct allegations or complaints against them.
- Victims of police brutality should consider their legal options with a team experienced in constitutional claims.
Police brutality is rarely an isolated incident. These incidents tend to be part of a larger pattern of abuse and misconduct. Part of the problem is that certain police organizations develop a culture where abuse is either tolerated or overlooked. It is important that the victims of police brutality understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Police Brutality in Riverside County
We at the Carrillo Law Firm extend our best wishes to the girl brutalized by this deputy at Vista Del Lago High School. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents down the road. The police should not be allowed to get away with violently attacking women and young girls in this manner. All responsible parties need to be held accountable.
Have you or someone you care about been harmed by the excessive force of law enforcement in Riverside County? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of experienced civil rights attorneys is here to help you. We are committed to helping victims and holding law enforcement agencies accountable for their illegal conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney may be able to help with your particular situation, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
