In January 2015, Officer Richard Thomas Scavone arrested Amanda Vizcarrondo-Ortiz on suspicion of littering and loitering. Body camera footage revealed that Scavone used excessive force during the arrest, including throwing Ortiz to the ground, grabbing her by the neck, and slamming her head on the hood of a patrol car. Ortiz suffered permanent injuries to her face, neck, and back. Scavone was fired in September 2015 and later indicted on federal charges of excessive force and obstruction. He pleaded not guilty and faced up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
.
