HENDERSON, NV – A police sergeant in Henderson is facing scrutiny after body camera footage revealed inconsistencies with his account of an incident involving a woman. The footage, shared anonymously, raises questions about the appropriateness of the officer’s use of force.
The confrontation unfolded near Boulder Highway and Basic Road after a report of a disturbance. Sergeant Scott O’Ward described the woman as agitated and possibly intoxicated, claiming she was about to spit at him. He responded by striking her chest with his palm, aiming to prevent what he perceived as an imminent attack.
Yet, the body camera footage does not show the woman attempting to spit. Instead, it depicts her failing to comply promptly with O’Ward’s commands. As tensions rose, O’Ward requested backup, calling for a lieutenant.
O’Ward’s report also notes that the woman hid a hand under her waist, where he found a sharp pencil. He pinned her shoulder with his knee, citing her potential for aggression. The pencil was logged into evidence, with witnesses noting her non-compliance.
Sergeant O’Ward has been involved in previous police shootings, including cases with unarmed individuals. Despite this, he was promoted. The city initially denied having records of O’Ward’s use of force but later provided a list excluding this incident.
The delay in releasing the body camera footage and the selective redaction of faces have led to transparency concerns. Efforts to reach the woman were unsuccessful, though she was convicted of misdemeanors, including resisting arrest.
The incident underwent an internal affairs review, with the city stating it was resolved without elaboration. This case highlights ongoing issues with police transparency and public access to records.