HENDERSON, NV – The use of force by a Henderson police sergeant during an encounter with a woman is under scrutiny after body camera footage revealed discrepancies in the officer’s account of the incident. The footage, obtained anonymously, shows a confrontation that escalated quickly, raising concerns about excessive force.
The incident occurred on an October afternoon near Boulder Highway and Basic Road. A call was made to the police regarding a disturbance involving a woman, who was reportedly agitated and possibly under the influence. According to the police report, Sergeant Scott O’Ward noted the woman’s aggressive behavior and suspected she might spit at him. In response, he used an open palm to strike her upper chest, claiming it was necessary to redirect her body.
However, the body camera footage does not show any attempt by the woman to spit at the officer. Instead, it captures the sergeant instructing the woman to follow his commands, which she does not immediately comply with. The situation escalated, and Sergeant O’Ward called for backup, requesting a lieutenant’s presence.
The report also mentions the woman concealing a hand under her waist, where O’Ward claims a sharp pencil was found. He used his knee to pin her shoulder to the ground, citing her potential for violence as justification for his actions. The pencil was reportedly booked into evidence, and witnesses confirmed the woman’s non-compliance.
Sergeant O’Ward has been involved in multiple police shootings, including incidents where the individuals were unarmed. Despite these past events, he was promoted from officer to sergeant. The city of Henderson initially claimed not to have records of O’Ward’s use of force history, but later provided a list that did not include the October incident.
The city’s transparency is questioned, as it took several months for the body camera footage to be released, and only the officers’ faces were redacted, leaving the woman’s identity exposed. Efforts to contact the woman were unsuccessful, though court records show she was convicted on two misdemeanor charges, including resisting an officer.
The incident was reviewed by internal affairs, and Henderson officials stated it was “handled” without providing further details. The case highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability and the challenges of obtaining public records in such cases.