Video evidence and internal probes raise fresh questions about police use of force against vulnerable detainees in the US.
A former Buckeye police officer is set to stand trial on two counts of aggravated assault after allegedly punching a handcuffed, 37-weeks-pregnant woman in the face and using excessive force against another detainee, according to court records and newly released surveillance footage.
The case has drawn renewed attention to accountability in American law enforcement, particularly in interactions involving pregnant women and individuals already in custody. Critics argue such incidents underscore systemic issues with use-of-force policies and oversight in smaller police departments.
Details of the Incident:
The primary incident occurred in November 2025 when Officer Carri Carrico (also referred to as Carrie Carrico) arrested a 21-year-old woman for reckless driving. The woman, who was nine months pregnant, was taken to the Buckeye Police Department for booking.
Surveillance video and body camera footage show Carrico shoving the handcuffed woman against a wall and then dragging her to a bench. As the woman-still restrained with her hands behind her back-grabbed the officer’s hand while being seated, Carrico allegedly punched her on the side of the head.
The pregnant woman later told investigators she saw “black spots” after the blow. Body camera audio reportedly captured Carrico warning the woman, “I will smash you so hard into this fuc*ing wall you won’t see straight.”
A second incident involved Carrico allegedly punching another handcuffed detainee in front of jail staff in early 2026. Supervisors described both uses of force as excessive and unnecessary.
Ex-Officer Faces Trial Over Assault on Pregnant Woman:
A Maricopa County grand jury indicted Carrico on two counts of aggravated assault in late May 2026. She has pleaded not guilty and resigned from the department (some reports indicate she was fired). Her trial is scheduled for November.
Buckeye Police Chief Robert Sanders requested an independent investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office following internal concerns. In a statement, the department emphasised that the actions did not align with training or policy.
Cases involving police violence against pregnant women have sparked national outrage in the United States, highlighting vulnerabilities in the justice system for marginalised communities. Civil rights advocates often point to racial and socioeconomic disparities in policing outcomes, though specific demographic details of the victims in this case were not widely publicised in initial reports.
The release of graphic surveillance footage has amplified public scrutiny, with many questioning whether internal review processes sufficiently deter excessive force. Similar incidents have previously led to federal probes, policy reforms, and calls for mandatory body cameras with independent oversight.
As the trial approaches, the case serves as a test of accountability in Arizona’s law enforcement community. For the victims, including a heavily pregnant woman subjected to physical force while in custody, it raises fundamental questions about protection and dignity under the law.