Flashing patrol lights illuminated a late-night traffic stop in Palmdale, California, in June 2022, when an encounter between sheriff’s deputies and a mother holding her infant escalated into a physical confrontation that is now the subject of competing lawsuits.
The incident involving Yeayo Russell and former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Timothy Gardner has drawn attention because of body-camera footage showing Russell being punched while holding her 3-week-old baby. The case has prompted legal action from both Russell and Gardner and raised questions about law enforcement conduct and accountability.
According to reports from Atlanta Black Star and the Los Angeles Times, deputies stopped a vehicle because the driver allegedly appeared intoxicated and was driving without headlights. Russell was one of four people in the car and was holding her infant during the stop.
Video of the incident shows deputies attempting to remove the child from Russell’s arms as they tried to detain her. During the struggle, Gardner struck Russell in the face while other deputies attempted to take the baby.
Russell can be heard in the video shouting, “Y’all gonna have to shoot me dead to take my baby from my arms,” as deputies attempted to separate her from the child.
Gardner was later relieved of duty following the incident. In 2023, Russell filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force during the arrest. According to the Los Angeles Times, the case resulted in a proposed settlement that had not yet been approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as of early 2025.
Weeks after the settlement discussions became public, Gardner filed a separate lawsuit against Los Angeles County challenging his termination. In the lawsuit, Gardner argued that the department dismissed him primarily because the incident created negative public perception.
According to the lawsuit, Gardner claimed the termination was influenced by what he described as “bad optics” following the release of the video.
Gardner’s lawsuit also referenced statements from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department North Patrol Chief Dennis Kneer. According to court filings, Gardner’s legal team argued that similar tactics had been used previously during arrests and that he should not have been singled out for discipline.
The case has also been discussed in the context of other incidents involving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Reports cited by Atlanta Black Star describe previous situations involving allegations of racial profiling or excessive force against Black residents.
In one reported incident, a woman who called 911 during a domestic violence situation was shot and killed by a deputy responding to the call. In another case referenced in reports, a Black man was forced out of his home after deputies mistakenly believed he had broken into the residence where he lived.
Federal data has also been cited in discussions about policing practices in the region. A report from the U.S. Department of Justice examining law enforcement practices in communities served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department found disparities in traffic stops involving minority residents.
According to the report, many residents in the region are members of minority communities, and the data showed that African American drivers were stopped at higher rates than other groups.
The legal disputes involving Russell and Gardner remain unresolved. Russell’s lawsuit focuses on the use of force during the arrest, while Gardner’s lawsuit challenges the sheriff’s department’s decision to terminate his employment.
The outcome of both cases will ultimately be decided through the legal process.
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