Officer Accused of Punching Woman in Custody

A disturbing bodycam video from Loveland, Colorado, shows a handcuffed woman being confronted by a police officer inside a hospital examination room. The incident occurred on May 20, 2023, after officers had taken the woman into protective custody. 

POLICE RESPOND TO A WOMAN IN DISTRESS

Officers were called to the area of North Garfield Avenue and East 29th Street after reports of a woman wandering in and out of traffic and speaking incoherently.

The woman, later identified as 59-year-old Angelia Hall, was taken into protective custody and transported to the Medical Center of the Rockies for evaluation. SHE WAS HANDCUFFED WHEN SHE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE HOSPITAL EXAMINATION ROOM. 

THE SITUATION BECOMES TENSE

Inside the hospital, Hall became verbally confrontational with healthcare workers and officers. According to police, she spat at a nurse and then at Officer Russell Maranto.

Bodycam footage shows the interaction shortly before the physical confrontation. MARANTO THEN STRUCK HALL IN THE FACE WHILE SHE WAS IN HANDCUFFS. Police said the blow caused minor facial injuries. 

OFFICER REMOVED FROM DUTY

The officer was identified as Russell Maranto, 28. His fellow officer intervened after the strike and Maranto was removed from the room.

Loveland Police placed Maranto on administrative leave and TERMINATED HIS EMPLOYMENT THREE DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT. Police Chief Tim Doran also requested an independent criminal investigation by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. 

CRIMINAL CHARGE FOLLOWS

In June 2023, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office recommended a criminal charge against Maranto. He was issued a court summons for third-degree assault. 

Hall herself was initially charged with third-degree assault related to spitting on an officer. Later reporting from the Loveland Reporter-Herald says that case was dismissed and sealed. 

THE BODYCAM FOOTAGE BECAME THE KEY RECORD OF AN INCIDENT THAT ENDED WITH THE OFFICER LOSING HIS JOB AND FACING A CRIMINAL CHARGE.