latimes.com

A Los Angeles police officer accused of kicking a woman in the groin during a 2012 arrest captured on video by a police cruiser camera was found guilty Friday of assault under color of authority.

The prosecution’s case centered on the video recording, which showed Officer Mary O’Callaghan jab at Alesia Thomas’ throat with an open hand and threaten to break her arms and kick her in the genitals. In the video, O’Callaghan then raises her boot and strikes Thomas, whose body shakes in response.

Arrest video played in trial of LAPD officer accused in woman’s death
Arrest video played in trial of LAPD officer accused in woman’s death
The recording captured Thomas - who asked officers for an ambulance more than 30 minutes before one was called - breathing heavily and repeatedly saying, “I can’t.”

A few minutes later, Thomas, a 35-year-old mother, loses consciousness. A video from a dashboard camera in a different patrol car - also played during the trial - shows O’Callaghan smoking a cigarette as she peeks inside the car at Thomas, whose legs were tied with a nylon hobble restraint.