A Black woman who was tased multiple times at the McDonough County Jail alleges law enforcement officers used excessive force and did not offer medical treatment after she lost consciousness
Ariel Harrison, now 31, was detained at the jail after being pulled over in October 2019.
Harrison faces four charges in the case, including felony aggravated fleeing, felony aggravated battery of a peace officer, resisting arrest and driving under the influence of alcohol.
She believes the incident was racially motivated and the actions of law enforcement officers constitute brutality.
“I see racism in it because they didn’t treat me as a human,” Harrison said.
An online petition calling for justice for Harrison and for all charges to be dropped had more than 47,000 signatures as of Wednesday.
Harrison maintains she was wrongfully arrested and not intoxicated. She has pleaded not guilty on all charges.
Timothy W. Smith
Timothy W. Smith pleaded not guilty April 1 to two charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a girl under the age of 15 and a charge of domestic battery involving physical contact against the same victim.
Bryan C. McGee
Bryan C. McGee was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possession of a stolen handgun after accepting a plea deal. A judge dismissed one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.Â
Justin D. Tate
Police say Justin D. Tate picked up a runaway 14-year-old girl and force-fed her methamphetamine before making her perform sex acts and then raping her. He was arrested March 24.
Officer Jacob Zach is originally from Rosholt South Dakota, he graduated from Rosholt High School prior to leaving for Devils Lake Region College. After one year in Devils Lake he transferred to NDSU and is still working on earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. Officer Zach Attended the Lake Region summer police academy prior to being hired by the West Fargo Police Department in August of 2018. Officer Zach is currently assigned to the patrol division.