URGENT UPDATE: Shocking bodycam footage has emerged, revealing disturbing details surrounding the arrest of Shikeia Randolph, a 31-year-old Merrillville woman, by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The video, released through a public records request, allegedly shows deputies forcibly pulling Randolph from her vehicle despite her being pregnant. Tragically, she suffered a miscarriage just three months later.
The footage captures Randolph’s frantic cries, “I’m (expletive) pregnant,” as deputies attempt to arrest her during a traffic stop on June 5, 2023, at a gas station in Gary, Indiana. Authorities confirm the incident has led to a federal lawsuit filed against Officer Peter Hamady and the department, claiming excessive force was used during the arrest, which was initiated under questionable circumstances.
According to Randolph’s attorney, Matthew Custardo, the traffic stop was based on a minor issue with a license plate cover and an unrelated school truancy warrant. “The situation escalated unnecessarily,” Custardo stated. The 40-minute bodycam video reportedly shows deputies turning Randolph on her stomach and pinning her down to handcuff her.
Randolph’s ordeal began as she stopped for milk with her four children in the vehicle, preparing to drop them off at her mother’s house before heading to her job as a receptionist. The footage reveals her confusion and fear as she questions the officers about the reason for her arrest. “Call CPS for what?” she responds incredulously when officers suggest contacting someone to pick up her kids.
The video’s distressing content has sparked outrage online, particularly as Randolph’s children can be heard crying in the background during the arrest. “You already freaked my kids out,” she can be heard saying in the footage. This emotional impact has raised serious questions about the officers’ response and the handling of the situation.
In a statement following the release of the footage, Officer Hamady’s lawyer denied the allegations, arguing that the officer’s actions were “objectively reasonable” and protected by “qualified immunity.” However, Custardo argues that the use of force against a visibly pregnant woman was unjustified.
Randolph’s lawsuit suggests a troubling pattern within the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, citing inadequate training and accountability measures. The department has not responded to inquiries regarding their de-escalation training protocols.
The situation has escalated further, as court documents reveal that Randolph, her fiancé, and her sister faced additional charges for resisting law enforcement just weeks after the initial incident. This has compounded public concern over the treatment of individuals during encounters with law enforcement.
Randolph’s upcoming pretrial diversion hearing is scheduled for August 15, but the ongoing legal battles have taken an emotional toll. “Watching the video with my mother was very emotional,” Randolph expressed in a recent interview. “It matches the exact story I’ve been telling for so long.”
As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, calls for accountability and reform within local law enforcement intensify. The outcome of Randolph’s federal lawsuit could have lasting impacts on policing practices in the region.
What’s Next: As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming court dates and the potential for changes in policy regarding arrests and the treatment of pregnant individuals. The emotional and legal fallout from this incident continues to unfold, and public interest remains high as the community seeks justice for Randolph and her family.
