San Bernardino Police Accused of Slamming Handcuffed Teen to Ground

Lawsuit alleges officers used excessive force and lied about incident that left teen with concussion and other injuries.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An 18-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit against the San Bernardino Police Department, accusing officers of assaulting her and violating her civil rights during an incident in May 2025. The lawsuit alleges that an officer body-slammed the handcuffed teen face-first to the ground, causing a concussion, cuts, bruises, and other injuries. The department has denied the allegations, claiming the officer was attempting to handcuff the teen when she began pulling away.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against young people, and the importance of accountability when officers are accused of misconduct. The lawsuit also raises questions about the department's response and transparency in the aftermath of the incident.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Erin Marie Cowser was with friends at a grocery store in San Bernardino when a group of teens began assaulting other young people. As Cowser was leaving, a teen from the group attacked her. A security guard used pepper spray to stop the attacks. When San Bernardino police officers Jackson Tubbs and Cynthia Guillen arrived, they allegedly grabbed Cowser from behind, pinned her arms, and slammed her face-first to the ground while she was handcuffed, causing a concussion and other injuries. The lawsuit claims the officers lied about the incident and failed to provide immediate medical care.

  • The incident occurred in May 2025.
  • Cowser filed the lawsuit on April 5, 2026.

The players

Erin Marie Cowser

An 18-year-old woman who filed a lawsuit against the San Bernardino Police Department, alleging an officer assaulted her while she was handcuffed.

Officer Jackson Tubbs

A San Bernardino police officer accused in the lawsuit of body-slamming Cowser face-first to the ground while she was handcuffed.

Officer Cynthia Guillen

A San Bernardino police officer who was present during the incident and allegedly failed to correct Tubbs' false claims about what happened.

Toni Jaramilla

The attorney representing Erin Marie Cowser in the lawsuit against the San Bernardino Police Department.

Tanya Brownridge

Erin Marie Cowser's mother, whom Officer Tubbs allegedly lied to about the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The police department 'failed to correct the false narrative' even when videos proved the officer was lying.”

— Toni Jaramilla, Attorney for Erin Marie Cowser

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently pending, and the San Bernardino Police Department has not yet responded to the specific allegations.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force and the need for greater transparency and accountability when officers are accused of misconduct, especially involving vulnerable populations like young people.