My name is Kiara Richard. I am a mother of four, an Army veteran, and a senior at ULM. I have never had any trouble with law enforcement or any kind of criminal record. Unfortunately, everything changed on April 17, 2026.
What began as an alleged traffic stop for a headlight turned into a traumatic experience for both me and my 16-year-old son.
I was on my way to my grandmother’s house when I noticed police lights behind me, but no siren. I slowed down and within 30–45 seconds pulled into my grandmother’s driveway. I fully complied with the officer and provided everything he asked for.
The officer asked me to step out of the vehicle. When I asked what I had done wrong, he told me “nothing” and said I was not under arrest and had only been stopped because of an alleged headlight issue. I complied and walked to the rear of the vehicle as instructed.
Things escalated when the officer attempted to enter the car where my son was sitting. I asked what he was doing, and the officer suddenly became aggressive. He attempted to handcuff me, claiming I was “not listening.” He then body-slammed me onto the concrete.
As a result, I suffered a concussion, traumatic brain injury, a bleeding head wound that required stitches, loss of sensation on the left side of my scalp, severe bruising, swelling, and injuries from excessively tight handcuffs. During the incident, my 16-year-old son was also handcuffed, had his phone taken away, and was placed in the back of the patrol car.
According to my family, Officer Cody Kinnaird of the Sterlington Police Department showed no compassion after the incident. While I was bruised and bleeding, my grandmother was asked by Cody, “Are you going to be nice and clean her up?”
I was in and out of consciousness, my heart rate was dangerously high, and I required oxygen, IV treatment, and transport by ambulance to the hospital. Despite everything that happened, I was not issued a citation at the scene or told what crime I had committed.
The following Monday, I filed a complaint against the officer. Six days after the incident, I was served with a warrant containing charges that I strongly dispute.
This has taken a serious emotional and physical toll on both me and my children. I am asking for help with legal and medical expenses as my family tries to recover from this ordeal.
Any support, prayers, donations, or shares would mean more to us than words can express. Thank you for standing with my family during this difficult time.
