Girl shot by police beanbag found guilty

PORTLAND, Ore. - The family of a 12-year-old girl who was shot by police with a beanbag on a MAX platform says she suffers from mental disorders, but a judge still found her guilty Wednesday of assaulting an officer, resisting arrest and interfering with public transportation.

 The November 2009 incident, which was caught on video surveillance, sparked a controversial suspension of Portland police Officer Chris Humphreys who fired the less-than-lethal beanbag at the girl’s thigh. He was later moved to an administrative assignment.

An attorney for the city argued the 12-year-old made nine consecutive choices not to obey officers while they were taking her into custody. The attorney said at one point she punched an officer in the mouth.

Police said the girl wasn’t supposed to be on the MAX, and when an officer recognized her he said he tried to stop her before the situation escalated.

Family of the girl said her mental disorders caused her to resist officers when she felt they were taking things too far. The girl’s family said the judge’s ruling is just another example of police getting away with brutality.

“I think it sends a message that the Portland police can basically get away with anything they want to in Oregon because as we’ve seen in the last cases that’s been going on in the media and stuff, it’s like the police are never wrong,” said Miatoynia Ramzy, a family friend.

As she was leaving court the girl’s mother said she will be appealing the ruling.

The girl’s punishment is a year of probation, stay in school, seek mental help, undergo drug/alcohol screening, and she must complete 24 hours of community service.