Lawsuit Filed Against San Bernardino Police

An 18-year-old woman, Erin Cowser, has filed a lawsuit against the city of San Bernardino and two police officers, Jackson Tubbs and Cynthia Guillen, alleging excessive force during an arrest that occurred when she was 17 years old. The lawsuit, detailed by Karm Dickerson for NBC4 News on April 3, 2026, centers around an incident on May 21, 2025.

Details of the Arrest

The incident took place near a Food 4 Less grocery store while police were responding to a reported fight involving a group of young people. Cowser, then a high school senior, was with friends inside the store when a confrontation began. According to the lawsuit, Officer Tubbs grabbed Cowser by her backpack and forcibly pulled her towards a patrol car before allegedly slamming her to the ground.

Alleged Use of Force

Cowser’s attorney, Toni Jaramillo, describes the alleged takedown as a “hip toss,” resulting in Cowser being flipped in the air and landing face-first on the concrete. She was reportedly handcuffed behind her back at the time, hindering her ability to protect herself during the fall.

Cowser's Account of Events

Cowser recalls being confronted by the police and attempting to remove her backpack. She states that Officer Tubbs instructed her to stop resisting before she lost consciousness. She awoke in the back of a police car with visible injuries, including blood, and questioned the officer about what happened. The officer reportedly told her she had fallen.

Contradictory Evidence

The lawsuit alleges discrepancies in the officers’ account of events. Cowser’s legal team has presented body camera footage from Officer Guillen, which they claim shows Cowser did not appear to be injured before Officer Tubbs intervened. This footage is being used as evidence to support the claim of excessive force.

Legal Action and Potential Ramifications

The lawsuit seeks to hold the city and the officers accountable for their actions, seeking justice for the alleged excessive force and emotional distress Cowser experienced. The case raises questions about police conduct, training, and accountability within the San Bernardino Police Department. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases and influence police practices in the region.

Plaintiff's Harrowing Recollection

Cowser vividly remembers feeling her backpack being grabbed and attempting to remove it while officers tried to handcuff her. She lost consciousness after being told to stop resisting, waking up on a freeway in the back of a police car with significant injuries, including bleeding from her chin. The officer reportedly attributed her injuries to a fall and retrieved her phone.

The legal team is committed to pursuing a fair resolution and ensuring accountability. The proceedings will likely involve depositions, discovery, and potentially a trial to determine the facts and assess culpability.