Contact: Tom Hacker, Public Information Officer
Office: 970-962-2201, Cell: 970-800-1814

Loveland Police became aware late Wednesday, April 14, of details contained in a federal lawsuit alleging excessive use of force and serious bodily injury during the arrest of a Loveland resident in connection with a shoplifting incident.

The information reached LPD through an edited body-worn camera video posted on the department’s Facebook page. The department has undertaken an investigation of the June 26, 2020, incident that will include the examination of all images, documents and records compiled in connection with the event.

LPD takes very seriously the allegations concerning the arrest of resident Karen Garner, and shares with the community the concerns about video images that became public on Wednesday.

LPD had not previously received a complaint regarding serious injuries to Karen Garner, and learned only on April 14 of the allegations surrounding her arrest. The arresting officer in the case has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome. An officer who assisted in the arrest and the on-scene supervisor have been reassigned to administrative duties.

The investigation of the event will include an examination of the actions of all officers who may have been involved.