Help Steph Fight Police Brutality:

Hi, I’m Steph, a queer, neurodivergent, mixed-race Black single parent and educator living just south of Seattle. I’m reaching out because I need your help.

In February 2024, a police officer assaulted me outside my home. Three officers came to my home regarding a minor incident involving my child. Reasonable officers would have calmly informed me of the reason for their presence, but these officers approached aggressively from behind as I was getting out of my car and chose to yell at us. I was scared and asked them to tell me what was happening, but they ignored me. One officer charged past me and deliberately knocked me down onto my back steps.

When I got up, that same officer ran back across my yard and got inches from my face, screaming, spitting, and claiming he could arrest me. (I was never arrested or given a ticket). I was terrified and shaking. I threatened to sue them for their violent and unnecessary behavior. Hours later, I left the emergency room with a badly sprained wrist and had to wear a brace for a week. Since then, I’ve had persistent pain in my other arm from when it slammed against the steps. That was just the beginning.

Now, almost a year and a half later, I received a letter stating I’ve been criminally charged with obstruction. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. I never engaged in any obstruction. This false charge is blatant retaliation for my threat to sue the police. I am being criminalized for having the audacity to ask why the police were seeking to interrogate my child. The police are trying to cover up their violence and unprofessional conduct by punishing me.

Their department claims to value integrity, service, valor, and professionalism. and says they are committed to the safety and well-being of residents. But when they came to my home, my safety and well-being were treated as an afterthought. There was no integrity, no professionalism, just aggression, violence, and intimidation.

I had a panic attack shortly after this incident and have since faced ongoing physical pain and stress-related health issues, including a surgery 4 months later. The trauma has been long-lasting. I’ve tried to report what happened, but each attempt to walk into the police station has triggered severe anxiety. I hadn't been able to complete the complaint process, but the time has come to fight back.

This isn’t just about me. This is about the kind of accountability we deserve in our communities. We cannot allow law enforcement to harm and intimidate people without consequence. If you believe in justice and standing up to abuse of power please donate to this fundraiser. Your support will help me retain a lawyer to fight these charges and seek accountability from the police. I’m looking to raise $15,000 to take this case to trial. Any amount will help.

Thank you for standing with me.

– Steph