Robert Lewis: "I started filming because I heard someone shout. When I looked over, the woman was standing beside the car, and the officer was telling everyone not to record."
Detective Bennett: "Did you see what happened before you started filming?"
Robert Lewis: "I saw the end of it. I didn't see the first hit, but I saw her trying to fix her hair and asking him why he had touched her."
Detective Bennett: "Did you hear her threaten him?"
Robert Lewis: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Did you hear him provide a specific reason for the encounter?"
Robert Lewis: "No. He just kept saying she needed to cooperate."
The witness's recording was preserved.
Bennett then arranged a formal interview with Officer Jackson.
The meeting took place in a controlled interview room. Jackson arrived in uniform, accompanied by a department representative. He looked tired and noticeably less confident than he had appeared in the parking garage.
Detective Bennett placed a copy of the incident timeline on the table.
Detective Bennett: "Officer Jackson, this interview concerns the encounter with Victoria Hayes at Westbridge Shopping Center. You are being asked to provide a complete account of your actions."
Officer Jackson: "I understand."
Detective Bennett: "Why did you approach her?"
Officer Jackson: "I was conducting patrol and noticed something that appeared unusual."
Detective Bennett: "What specifically?"
Officer Jackson: "The vehicle and the amount of property around it."
Detective Bennett: "What about the vehicle or the property suggested a crime?"
Officer Jackson: "I couldn't say that it suggested a specific crime. I thought it was worth checking."
Detective Bennett: "Did you receive a report about that vehicle?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Did anyone identify Ms. Hayes as a suspect?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Did you observe her committing an offense?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Bennett wrote down his answers.
Detective Bennett: "What was your reason for ordering her to step away from the vehicle?"
Officer Jackson: "I wanted to speak with her."
Detective Bennett: "Did you tell her that?"
Officer Jackson: "I told her to step away."
Detective Bennett: "Did you explain why?"
Officer Jackson: "I don't remember the exact wording."
Bennett turned on the body camera recording.
The officer's voice filled the room.
Officer Jackson: "I don't need you questioning every instruction I give you. Just do what I said."
Jackson looked at the screen.
Detective Bennett: "Do you recognize that statement?"
Officer Jackson: "Yes."
Detective Bennett: "Do you believe that was an appropriate response to a person asking why an officer was approaching them?"
Officer Jackson: "I could have handled it differently."
Detective Bennett: "Why did you tell her to put her hands on the vehicle?"
Officer Jackson: "I thought she might reach for something."
Detective Bennett: "What did you see that caused you to believe she posed a threat?"
Officer Jackson: "She was reaching toward her handbag."
Detective Bennett: "Did you see a weapon?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Did she threaten you?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Did she attempt to strike you?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Bennett paused the recording.
Detective Bennett: "Then explain why you struck her."
Jackson shifted in his chair.
Officer Jackson: "I thought she was resisting my instructions."
Detective Bennett: "What physical action did she take that you considered resistance?"
Officer Jackson: "She didn't immediately put her hands on the vehicle."
Detective Bennett: "She asked you why you were ordering her to do so. Is that correct?"
Officer Jackson: "Yes."
Detective Bennett: "And you struck her?"
Jackson looked down.
Officer Jackson: "I shouldn't have done that."
Detective Bennett: "Did you grab her hair?"
Officer Jackson: "Yes."
Detective Bennett: "Why?"
Officer Jackson: "The situation escalated, and I reacted."
Detective Bennett: "What threat required that response?"
Jackson remained silent.
Bennett waited several seconds.
Detective Bennett: "Officer, your body camera recorded the encounter. The shopping center cameras recorded the physical contact. Witnesses have also provided independent recordings. We are not relying solely on someone's recollection."
Jackson rubbed his hands together.
Officer Jackson: "I know."
Detective Bennett: "Then I need you to provide accurate answers."
Officer Jackson: "I was frustrated. She kept questioning me, and I felt like she was challenging my authority."
Detective Bennett: "Did her questions make you believe she was committing a crime?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Did her appearance, her vehicle, or her shopping bags provide evidence of criminal activity?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Why did you continue escalating the encounter?"
Jackson looked toward the investigator.
Officer Jackson: "I thought I needed to maintain control."
Detective Bennett: "Control of what?"
Officer Jackson: "The situation."
Detective Bennett: "A person asking questions is not automatically a situation that requires physical control."
Jackson did not respond.
Bennett moved to the next section of the recording.
Detective Bennett: "After Ms. Hayes presented her credentials, you said, 'I didn't know who you were.' Why did her identity change your response?"
Officer Jackson: "I realized the situation was more serious."
Detective Bennett: "Was it less serious before you knew she was a judge?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Should a person without a judicial position receive less protection from unnecessary force?"
Officer Jackson: "No."
Detective Bennett: "Then why did you behave differently after seeing her credentials?"
Jackson looked uncomfortable.
Officer Jackson: "I realized I had made a mistake."