By admin 
BUCKEYE, AZ (AZFamily) — A West Valley police officer was charged with felonies after investigators said she punched two people in two different incidents while they were in handcuffs. One of the alleged victims was pregnant.
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A grand jury indicted Buckeye Police Officer Carri Shayne Carrico Wednesday on two aggravated assault charges.
Court documents said Carrico was trying to restrain a suspect on a police station bench after the suspect was handcuffed and arrested for reckless driving when Carrico shoved the woman, who was 37 weeks pregnant, on Nov. 1, around 10:30 p.m.
The woman reacted by grabbing Carrico’s hand while still handcuffed behind her back. That’s when Officer Carrico punched the woman on the right side of her face, detectives said.
The victim reportedly said she saw “black and spots” for 10 to 20 seconds and was taken to the hospital for head pain.
The second incident happened on Jan. 25 while Carrico was taking a suspect to the Maricopa County Intake, Transfer and Release facility for booking.
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Court paperwork said the suspect headbutted Carrico as he was getting out of a transport vehicle. Carrico then took him to the ground and he was taken inside the facility.
While inside, police said Carrico punched the suspect in the head while he was still handcuffed and being controlled by two Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detention officers.
Video did not show the man resisting or trying to attack the officers.
Court documents said Carrico admitted to delivering a “distraction strike.”
Buckeye Police Chief Robert Sanders said in a statement released Thursday that he asked MCSO to look into Carrico’s actions.
Carrico is on leave without pay while the investigation continues.
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