Teen Punched by Seattle Cop Apologizes

(CBS/ AP)  A Seattle teen seen on cell phone video shoving a police officer who then punched her in the face has apologized to him, and he accepted the apology, authorities say.

Separately, the King County prosecutor charged the 17-year-old as a juvenile, with third-degree assault. That's punishable by a maximum 30 days in detention.

The incident happened Monday as the teen was intervening in a friend's jaywalking arrest by Police Officer Ian Walsh, 39.

The video shows Walsh trying to arrest 19-year old Marilyn Levias. The two were already struggling when Levias' friend, the 17-year-old, pushed the officer, and he responded by punching the friend in the face.

James Kelly, president and CEO of the Urban League of Seattle, told KOMO-TV he had requested the meeting between the teen and Walsh to help calm the situation.

Earlier, Kelly had said, "The use of violence in the form of a full-blown fist to the face was wrong," and leaders of several community groups, while not excusing the suspects, said Walsh clearly overreacted.

Police have said the department's civilian-led Office of Professional Accountability is investigating Walsh's actions.

Prosecutor Dan Satterberg says, "The law is clear: You can't shove a police officer, period."

Levias was arrested on charges of obstructing a police officer.

CBS affiliate KIRO-TV found court records showing Levias has been arrested for assaulting a police officer before. According to the documents, Levias kicked a King County Sheriff's deputy in the stomach while she resisted arrest at the Ruth Dykeman Center in Burien, Wash.

Walsh has been temporarily re-assigned.

To see the incident, click on the video below of a report by Tarar Mergener, introduced Chris Wragge, who was "The Early Show" 's newsreader the day this report aired:


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[lacubsfan]

For all those defending the girl -- If you don't want to punched in the face, or thrown on the ground with a knee in your back, or tased, or sprayed with mace.... KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF THE POLICE and follow instructions.

For all those saying the punch was too much force -- See Above.

[dwbrzy]

Both persons acted irresponsible. The girl started it when she shoved the officer. But it is also extremely silly on the officer's part for actually stopping the girl for jay-walking and making such a big deal about it. I jay-walk in front of the NYPD all the time and have never been stopped. I guess the NYPD has to go after real criminals unlike the Seattle police department.

[rowenay2]

The high school in that area specifically requested the SPD to help patrol a stretch of high-traffic road that students frequently jay-walk across (ignoring a pedestrian bridge). So no, it wasn't silly. He was just doing his job.

[rowenay2]

And it was the young women who were making it a big deal. In another context, I might have agreed with you about jay-walking citations. But get your facts straight before you judge an entire city's police department.

[ImmaKrazyKracka]

The first thing people want to say is stop putting racism as a reason to attack the cop. It is what it is. Look at the other comments and see how the defense of this uncalled for punch to the face of this girl has called. In our society you don't punch women in the face. Point blank!!! I tell you what, lets turn this whole thing upside down inside out. If this was a black cop and he struck a white girl in the face this would have been a totally different story altogether I assume. I gurantee if any one who has any real since reading this know that this cop would have been fired and no one would have felt sorry for him not even black people. But since she is a young blackwoman which none of us knows remotely of, she has been described like she has un-earthly power by shoving a cop off balance with her being prone to violence by description of this almighty shove. GTFOH!!!. No one of color that I know said she had the right to intervene with the cop or put her hands on him. Listen, my 3 yr old son who is all of 35lbs can knock me off my balance and I am 207lbs. So for people to make it seem like she was so dangerous for pushing the police officer is absurd. She wasn't right but the force of his fist to her face wasn't warranted in that situation. I know cops risk their lives every day in the line of duty for good but I know of a bunch of bad ones who use their shield for bullying as well. This cop didn't have to do that. I saw the shove and he should have arrested her after that point.

[B0b25]

Hey rational mom the day I need help from the POLICE will be the day I lose faith in God and your right I don't decide who burns in hell the almighty does but here are a few words from the good book that may help you to understand the punishment awaiting our corrupt law makers and enforcers. 10 How you hate honest judges!
How you despise people who tell the truth!
11 You trample the poor,
stealing their grain through taxes and unfair rent.
Therefore, though you build beautiful stone houses,
you will never live in them.
Though you plant lush vineyards,
you will never drink wine from them.
12 For I know the vast number of your sins
and the depth of your rebellions.
You oppress good people by taking bribes
and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.
13 So those who are smart keep their mouths shut,
for it is an evil time.
14 Do what is good and run from evil
so that you may live!
Then the Lord God of Heaven?s Armies will be your helper,
just as you have claimed.
15 Hate evil and love what is good;
turn your courts into true halls of justice.
Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven?s Armies
will have mercy on the remnant of his people.

[andymul]

The police officer was alone and being grabed by two young females who were ignoring the officers requests. I don't like to see anyone result to using fists to solve anything, but how many police officers have been shot and stabbed during simple traffic stops or basic questioning??? If this kids jaw was broken, he hit her too hard. If she had a sore mouth, the officer did not overreact and should not be condemed for doing his job which is trying to keep order. Some kids are violent and out of control. Give the police and teachers some tools and if they misuse them, complain loud and long. This kid was interferring with a police officer and needs to be diciplined not rewarded.

[cynthiah941]

All things fair & equal and if the teen had been white, brown, black, yellow or red the effect is the same. the same thing could happen to any rebellious teen. Resist a cop and cop may punch you or kick you or taze you or headlock you or choke you or slam you.
I thought the cop was showing some restraint until second girl interfered.

[Jo53111]

The police officer did overreact, but it was understandable. He was involved with a struggling teenager, while the other one jumped on him. I thought it was self-defense. Both teenagers over-reacted also. Their behavior was unbelievable. He certainly felt threatened. Is he supposed to wait until they knife him or shoot him or another friend joins the fray? The teenagers started this incident, and this is what happened.

[B0b25]

Police do not deserve any respect they act as if their above the law so why should we the people act any different ? Law enforcement is not here to protect the people they are here to enforce the corrupt laws of our government they are the lowest scum on this planet. I love how when a cop issues a ticket for jaywalking or some other stupid law and tries justifying it by saying I'm just doing my job but what most of them dont realize is if they dont repent and turn from this line of work they will all burn in hell for the job they are doing.

[rationalmom]

Well, if the time comes I would hope you don't call on the cops for assistance as apparently people like you dont deserve it, but am sure when you need it, your opinion will change. As for you thinking its a stupid law to ticket for jay walking, im sure that the lives saved since they have started enforcing this law in that area upon request appreciate it. And really, is your name GOD, well then, i guess you dont get to decide who burns in hell.

[cynthiah941]

Police officers uphold the law and if you have no respect for that then of course your gonna see 'cop punches teen in face'. The girl already
had charges for assaulting a police officer before.

[otnh]

i believe he had the right to punch her because she shoved him. but at the same time people view this in a negative way BECAUSE come on you cant hit a girl IN THE FACE. it's sacred... and when they see an OFFICER punch a civilian they're going to take it as if all officers do that too... and view them as racist i mean he was white and punched a black girl. and also not so long ago a couple white/black cops were stomping and saying very racist comments to the hispanic criminals.

[darparks]

just another example of the attitude of young blacks. especially when dealing with whites. this time, it was a police officer. how many other times did those two, feeling they were "disrespected", act stupid and get physical with someone. the police represent the line between order and chaos. when they ask you a question, you answer it. the young blacks who take offense to this are totally misguided. as are the white people who embrace the "hip-hop" culture. time to grow up kids.

[Bernie_X]

Teens are suppose to be act stupid and do things on impulse ... it's a part of life. Too bad the Walsh lacked the prowess to properly detain suspects half his build. How about a reassignment back to the academy.

[Jo53111]

Bernie_X, wake up! Teens are not supposed to act stupid or be stupid. It is not okay for them to act on impulse. It is not a part of life. It is a death wish. We just had three teenagers drive 100 mph and hit an 18 wheeler. Yup! Who told you that? Laws are for everyone. Teenagers are not exempt.