UPDATE: New bodycam footage has surfaced, revealing alarming details about the arrest of Shikeia Randolph, a 31-year-old pregnant woman, by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The video, released through a public records request, shows deputies forcibly removing her from her vehicle during a traffic stop on June 5, 2023, despite her urgent pleas that she was pregnant. Tragically, just three months after the incident, Randolph suffered a miscarriage.
The footage, obtained by the Post-Tribune, captures the chaotic moments of the arrest, escalating from a seemingly minor traffic violation related to a license plate cover. Randolph can be heard crying out, “I’m (expletive) pregnant!” just before officers physically pull her from her red Chevrolet Trailblazer at a gas station in Gary, Indiana, around 3:24 a.m.. This shocking encounter is at the center of a federal lawsuit alleging excessive force, filed in the U.S. District Court in Hammond two months ago.
The video reveals Randolph’s desperation as she attempts to cling to the steering wheel while her children can be heard crying in the backseat. The officers, including Officer Peter Hamady, who initiated the stop, have been accused of using excessive force. According to her lawyer, Matthew Custardo, the situation escalated unnecessarily, stating, “She was confused why she was being pulled over. She’s scared.”
The lawsuit claims that the traffic stop was “pretextual” and spiraled out of control. Hamady’s legal representative has denied the allegations, asserting that the officer’s actions were “objectively reasonable” and protected under “qualified immunity.” However, the emotional impact of the incident on Randolph and her family is undeniable.
In her own words, Randolph described the moment as “very emotional,” particularly hearing her children’s distress during the altercation. “I feel better now that I’ve seen it,” she remarked, confirming the footage aligned with her account of events. The ongoing legal battle has not only forced her to confront the trauma of the incident but has also raised significant questions about police conduct and accountability in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
The police department has refrained from commenting on the incident, citing pending litigation. Meanwhile, Randolph’s case is scheduled for a pretrial diversion hearing on August 15, 2023, amidst concerns about the slow progress of the legal process. Her situation raises broader questions about the treatment of individuals during police encounters, specifically regarding the rights of pregnant women.
As the community watches closely, this case highlights critical discussions about police training, de-escalation tactics, and the overarching need for accountability within law enforcement. The emotional toll on Randolph and her family underscores the urgent need for systemic change, as they navigate the aftermath of this harrowing experience.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it continues to unfold.