A woman who says Alpharetta officers used excessive force against her during a traffic stop is seeking $1.5 million in damages, according to her federal lawsuit.
Rose Campbell, now 67, suffered physical injuries that required surgery, emotional trauma and has been unable to work consistently since the May 2018 incident, the lawsuit states. Campbell was working as a ride-share driver when she was pulled over on Ga. 400 by an officer who said she was not maintaining her lane.
A spokesman for Alpharetta police declined to comment on the lawsuit, filed Sunday. The Alpharetta assistant city administrator said the city does not comment on pending litigation.
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Campbell refused to sign the citation and asked repeatedly to speak with the officer’s supervisor. Dash cam video later released of the incident appears to show Officer James Legg using profanity towards Campbell and pulling her out of her car. Additional officers also arrived at the scene to assist Legg.
“Shut the (expletive) up and get out of the car,” Legg is heard saying in the video.
Legg later resigned from the department, but defended his actions.
“Maybe I should not have used profanity, but its immediate effectiveness is not questionable and I do believe I acted reasonably under the circumstances,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
In an interview with Channel 2 Action News, Campbell said she felt violated.
"Now I can't trust a blue light. I can't. It's damaged me. It's hurt me. Left something in my soul that I can never forget," Campbell said. "If nothing else comes from this, I want justice to occur. True justice with a capital 'J.'”
In her lawsuit, Campbell says her constitutional rights were violated. Additionally, her back, shoulder, neck and knee were injured due to the violence, the suit says.
“Plaintiff’s injuries are permanent, as she has undergone surgery for a separated shoulder, treatment for her back and neck, and is scheduled for surgery for her knee,” the lawsuit states.
Campbell is seeking a jury trial and no less than $1.5 million in damages.
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