Body-worn camera footage shows Cranston traffic stop, officer assault
by: Elizabeth Turley, Shaun Towne
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Cranston police have released the body-worn camera footage from the police officer who attempted to stop two shoplifting suspects last Sunday.
In the video, Officer Kayleigh Cooper, who is a three-year member of the Cranston Police Department, is shown telling two people suspected of shoplifting from lululemon to exit their car. When they refuse and begin to drive away, Cooper fires her service weapon at the car, allegedly in response to the suspects’ car running over her foot.
According to police, the suspects’ abandoned vehicle was found on Niantic Avenue the next day. The man and woman, identified as 24-year-old Michael Campagna and 24-year-old Megan O’Brien, were found at JFK train station in Boston and taken into custody on Tuesday.
Cooper was treated at the hospital and will return to work once she’s medically cleared, according to Cranston police.
In addition to shoplifting charges out of Cranston, state police said they’ll be filing several charges against the two suspects.
Campagna, of South Boston, will be charged with felony assault, assault on a police officer, reckless driving, obstruction of an officer in execution of duty, resisting arrest, and conspiracy.
O’Brien, of Lynn, will be charged with felony assault, assault on a police officer, conspiracy, and two counts of aiding and abetting.