The dramatic arrest of a 27-year-old woman in Texas has gone viral after a bystander captured the incident near a Dollar General store. The woman was detained on Sunday after wrestling with officers near Albertson Avenue and Summerkamp Street.
This incident began when police were called to investigate a shoplifting report on Gentry Parkway. Police arrived at the scene around 2 p.m. and spotted two individuals, per reports. The Tyler Police Department said that the suspects were ordered to stop, a command that only one of the suspects complied with.
The individual who ignored commands and tried to walk off was Brianna Erwin. According to the report, an officer, with backup assistance, attempted to detain Erwin, but she resisted. She allegedly grabbed one officer’s holstered pistol and fired a single round, fortunately striking no one.
Officials said the first officer responded by delivering a firm, closed-hand strike to disarm her and prevent further violence. The footage, released by authorities, shows Erwin on the ground as she screams and struggles. The person filming objects to the officer’s use of force, claiming that Erwin was pregnant. Erwin also reiterates the claim, highlighting that they were putting too much pressure on her.
An officer shouts at her to release his weapon before the explosion is heard. Reports say Erwin was evaluated at the scene by Tyler Fire Department EMTs after claiming she was pregnant. However, a subsequent check, corroborated by Lisa Williams, president of the NAACP’s Tyler branch, confirmed that a pregnancy test was negative.
She has been hit with multiple charges, including an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, evading detention, and harassment of a public servant.
Additionally, she is facing theft charges linked to Dollar General, but they are under investigation. Smith County Sheriff’s Office records show Erwin’s combined bond is set at $410,000. Since she is also held for a probation violation, she will remain in Smith County Jail until her next court date. The Tyler Police Department has since launched a criminal probe into the incident.
