Video released of Orlando city commissioner aide's arrest

Aide claims police used excessive force on her

ORLANDO, Fla. – Days after the aide to Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested, Orlando police released video from a holding cell of the aide, who was arrested on disorderly intoxication, trespassing and battery on a law enforcement officer.

[WATCH: Police release video of city commissioner aide in holding cell]

Cara Reaves, 24, the aide to the District 5 city commissioner, was arrested at a movie theater on Friday and says that police used excessive force on her, leaving her with injuries to her head.

In the video, Reaves said, "I know I'm here because I'm black, I know I'm here because I'm black."

The officer told Reaves to calm down, according to the video, and police said Reaves resisted officers and was being uncooperative at the substation. At one point, officers brought her into another holding cell and she fell down. Officers tried to help her up but she stayed on the floor, saying "I'm abused, I'm abused, I'm abused."

Reaves told the officers her head and back hurt and her shoulder burned, and firefighters came to check her out.

Police said Reaves poked her finger at an officer and scratched him as she was being treated by firefighters, leading to her being charged with battery on a law enforcement officer.

Reaves denied drinking the night of her arrest.

Reaves attorney, Jane Carey, told Local 6 over the weekend she had planned to file a formal complaint with the police department sometime this week. So far, police tell us they have not received any kind of complaint.

Local 6 spoke with Hill at City Hall about the incident and offered to show her the video.

"I haven't seen video. I'm neutral in this, its not a Regina Hill situation or a District 5 situation," Hill said. "Ms. Reaves was on her personal time and this is a journey Cara Reaves is going to go through not as the aide of Regina Hill."

Local 6 asked, "what would you say to your constituents that say you should respond because this was one of your top aides?"

Hill said, "I am responding to citizens of District 5, I'm doing a great job and I'm responding because I'm out there  in the community working hard and the citizens of District 5 are pleased with the work I'm doing."

Reaves was not at work for most of the day on Tuesday, but Hill says she is still employed with her office.

ClickOrlando.com is working to post the full video of Reaves in the holding cell. Check back for more on this story.


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