GhLinks Media
A Colorado police officer identified as Russell Maranto has been sacked after a disturbing video shows him punching a handcuffed woman after she spat at him.
Russell Maranto, 28, was caught punching Angelia Hall, 59, in the mouth while she was sitting waiting in a hospital emergency room on May, 20.
In the footage, Hall can be heard becoming increasingly frustrated and angry as she sits in an examination chair while cursing and yelling at the officers and nurses who were present.
But it was when she spat at Maranto that he immediately reacted by punching her.
Another officer in the room intervened and pulled Russell Maranto away from Hall.
Following the punch, Hall demands to see video of what had just occurred – now even more upset given that she was powerless to fight back with her hands secured behind her back.
Loveland Police Chief Tim Doran released a statement on Friday as he explained his reasoning for firing the officer, citing the unnecessary use of force.
‘I am sharing this video in the spirit of transparency and on the promise to hold both my team and the citizens who break the law accountable for their actions,’ Doran said.
The chief urged the public to watch the complete 90-minute body camera footage of the incident, emphasizing the importance of viewing the episode in its entirety.
Russell Maranto video
The incident was investigated by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, but so far the district attorney’s office has not filed criminal charges against Maranto.
The chief took swift action against Maranto who was fired from the Loveland Police Department three days after the incident on May 20.
Officers had initially responded to reports of Hall wandering in and out of traffic, displaying confused and incoherent behavior.
Officers had placed her under protective custody and taken her to a local hospital to be evaluated.
Hall has been charged with third-degree assault for her actions towards the fired officer.
