Video Shows Pittsburgh Police Punching Handcuffed Woman

Incident under review by police, Citizen Police Review Board

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of handcuffed wrists against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or identifiable elements.A harsh, close-up view of handcuffed wrists highlights the use of force against a woman already in police custody.Today in Pittsburgh

A video has surfaced showing Pittsburgh police officers using force against a woman who was already in handcuffs. The woman's husband, Calvin Everette, says the officers used excessive force and that his wife, Angel Bradford, is autistic and was not resisting arrest. The incident is under review by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Citizen Police Review Board.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about the use of force by police, particularly against individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities. It highlights the need for better training and protocols around de-escalation and appropriate use of force, as well as transparency and accountability in police-community relations.

The details

The incident occurred on Wednesday night when officers responded to a call about drug use in an abandoned structure in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. They encountered Everette and Bradford, who Everette says was collecting items she found on the ground. When officers asked Bradford to drop what she was holding, she allegedly did not comply and tried to run off. Officers then took Bradford into custody, at which point Everette says they began using excessive force. A video shows an officer striking Bradford with a closed fist while she was handcuffed.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday night (April 16, 2026).
  • Bradford remained in the Allegheny County Jail as of Thursday night (April 17, 2026).
  • Everette was released Thursday morning (April 17, 2026) on his own recognizance.

The players

Angel Bradford

The woman who was allegedly struck by a Pittsburgh police officer while in handcuffs. Everette says she is autistic and was not resisting arrest.

Calvin Everette

The husband of Angel Bradford, who witnessed the incident and says the officers used excessive force against his wife.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

The police department that is reviewing the incident.

Citizen Police Review Board

An organization in Pittsburgh that is also investigating the incident and looking into whether the officer's actions were justified.

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What they’re saying

“It's wrong. I'm very hurt about it, and I know she is too. It's an injustice to hit a woman. (I want him) fired, yes, because he still thinks he's done right. You're not a model citizen. You didn't follow protocol.”

— Calvin Everette, Husband of Angel Bradford

“The first thing we have to do is discern whether there is an administrative issue or there is a criminal issue. And the criminal issue, of course, would be whether or not the officer assaulted this woman, or was it an appropriate, justified use of force? Why was she arrested? What did she do? What was the criminal act that got the police involved in the first place?”

— Beth Pittinger, Executive Director, Citizen Police Review Board

What’s next

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Citizen Police Review Board are continuing to investigate the incident to determine whether the officer's actions were justified or constituted excessive force. The results of these investigations will likely determine if any disciplinary action is taken against the officer.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges around police use of force, particularly when dealing with individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities. It underscores the need for improved training, de-escalation tactics, and accountability measures to ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and with respect by law enforcement.