COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah (ABC4 News) – A Cottonwood Heights City Councilwoman said an officer punched her in the throat during protests Sunday.
Tali Bruce, Councilwoman for District 3, posted a video to her social media stating she was on her way to seek medical treatment after the officer “punched her hard in the throat.”
Bruce was at a “March for Justice” held at Mill Hollow Park in memory of Zane James, a 19-year-old shot and killed by police in 2018.
Tensions started to rise during the protest and a heavy police presence could be seen around the area. Officers from multiple agencies around the valley responded to help keep the situation from getting out of control.
During her video, Bruce was visibly shaken and said she “cannot even believe this is Cottonwood Heights.”
Bruce said the officer involved was with the Cottonwood Heights Police Department although there were several agencies from around the valley there. At this time, there does not appear to be video evidence of the incident.
Bruce, along with the city are part of a lawsuit filed by Cottonwood Heights Police Chief Ernest Rob Russo in May alleging a scheme to get him fired. In the lawsuit, Russo claims Bruce and other employees within the city acted in ways against him that would be considered harassment and improper. That case is still in litigation and at this time neither party is able to comment.
