Patricia: "At first, only part of it. The officer was asking her why she was there."
Investigator: "What happened after that?"
Patricia: "She explained that she had an appointment. The officer didn't seem interested. He kept speaking to her in a very rude way."
Investigator: "Did you hear him make any comments about her?"
Patricia thought for a moment.
Patricia: "He said something about people like her always acting as if the rules didn't apply to them."
The investigator wrote down the statement.
Investigator: "What happened next?"
Patricia: "The officer grabbed the front of her jacket. She told him to let go. Then he punched her."
Investigator: "Did she strike him first?"
Patricia shook her head.
Patricia: "No. I didn't see her touch him."
Investigator: "What did she do after he hit her?"
Patricia: "She stepped back and held her nose. There was blood. She looked shocked, but she didn't try to fight him."
Investigator: "Did the officer attempt to help her?"
Patricia: "No. He was still arguing with her."
The investigator asked Patricia to describe the positions of the people in the lobby and whether she could identify the officer.
She confirmed that she could.
Before leaving, Patricia added something else.
Patricia: "I want to say that I wasn't surprised he treated her that way."
Investigator: "Why do you say that?"
Patricia: "I've seen him at the entrance before. He always acts like people are bothering him. I once watched him shout at an older man who was asking where to go."
Investigator: "Did you report that incident?"
Patricia: "No. I thought it was none of my business."
Investigator: "Do you remember when it happened?"
Patricia gave an approximate date and described the older man's clothing.
The investigator recorded the information for further verification.
After Patricia left, James Carter was interviewed.
His account was similar.
He had been waiting near the entrance and had heard Ryan repeatedly interrupt Victoria. He remembered seeing the officer grab her blazer and then punch her.
James also said that he had considered stepping forward but had been afraid that the officer might turn on him.
James: "I didn't know what to do. He was wearing a uniform, and I didn't want to get into an argument with him."
Investigator: "Did you believe the woman had done anything that justified the officer's actions?"
James: "No. She was trying to explain that she had an appointment."
Investigator: "Did she appear physically aggressive?"
James: "Not at all."
James's statement was added to the investigation file.
The third interview was with Raymond Collins.
Unlike the two civilian witnesses, Collins had worked with Ryan for several years.
He entered the room in uniform and sat down with a serious expression.
Investigator: "Officer Collins, how long have you known Officer Mitchell?"
Collins: "About five years."
Investigator: "Have you worked together regularly?"
Collins: "On and off. We've shared building security assignments."
Investigator: "What did you see this morning?"
Collins: "I was near the secured gate when I noticed an argument at reception. I saw Mitchell standing close to a woman in a black suit. She was holding a folder."
Investigator: "Did you hear what they were saying?"
Collins: "Not every word. But I heard her say that she had an appointment. I also heard Mitchell tell her to watch her attitude."
Investigator: "What happened next?"
Collins: "He grabbed her jacket. I started moving toward them. Then he punched her."
Investigator: "Did the woman attack him?"
Collins: "No."
Investigator: "Did you attempt to intervene?"
Collins looked uncomfortable.
Collins: "I was moving toward them, but it happened quickly. By the time I got close, the elevator opened and Commander Anderson came out."
Investigator: "Have you witnessed similar behavior from Officer Mitchell before?"
Collins took a breath.
Collins: "I've seen him lose his temper with visitors."
Investigator: "Can you describe a specific incident?"
Collins: "Several months ago, an elderly man came to the entrance. He was confused about which office he needed. Mitchell shouted at him and told him to leave."
Investigator: "Did you report it?"
Collins: "I mentioned it to another supervisor."
Investigator: "Which supervisor?"
Collins: "Lieutenant Price."
Investigator: "What was his response?"
Collins: "He said he would speak to Mitchell."
Investigator: "Did you ever hear what happened afterward?"
Collins: "No."
The investigator turned to another page.
Investigator: "Have you ever felt that Officer Mitchell received different treatment from other officers?"
Collins paused.
Collins: "He seemed to have a close relationship with some supervisors. People sometimes avoided challenging him because they didn't want problems."