‘Don’t Hurt Me, I’m Pregnant’: VIDEO of Tyler PD Officers Use of Force on Expecting Mother During Arrest

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — A newly surfaced video obtained by TXAN 24 News reveals a disturbing encounter between Tyler Police Department officers and a visibly pregnant Black woman, raising serious concerns over the use of force, officer discretion, and public trust in law enforcement.

The incident, captured on a citizen’s phone camera, shows at least two Tyler PD officers physically restraining and handcuffing a woman who repeatedly informs them she is pregnant. The arrest occurs in a public setting during daylight hours, and the video has already begun to circulate in the community, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

In the footage, which can be seen here, lasts just over two minutes. The woman can be seen sitting on the ground with an officer restraining her, visibly distressed, and pleading with officers not to use further force. “I’m pregnant,” she tells the officers multiple times as her tone escalates from calm to frightened.

Video credit: DeYanna Robertson on Facebook

When she resists — verbally, but not physically — a second officer approaches from behind.

Without further verbal de-escalation, the two officers force her down, at which point the woman screams, “I’m pregnant!” Within seconds, she is slammed to the ground, hands restrained, and one officer appears to sit near or on her lower back while handcuffing her — a restraint technique known to present risk, especially for pregnant individuals.

Notably absent from the video is any clear explanation from the officers about why she’s being arrested, or whether medical personnel were called to assess her condition after the restraint.

Tyler PD has yet to issue a public statement on the arrest, and TXAN 24 News has filed a request under the Texas Public Information Act for police bodycam footage, arrest records, and use-of-force reports associated with the incident.

The department’s public-facing use-of-force policy outlines that “officers will use only the level of force necessary to control a situation” and that “special care should be taken when dealing with individuals with medical conditions or disabilities.” Whether those standards were followed here remains unclear.

A witness at the scene can be seen filming the incident. In one background voice, a bystander asks, “Is this really necessary?”

TXAN 24 News has reached out to multiple bystanders for comment and is working to verify whether additional footage exists.

This isn’t the first time Tyler PD has faced scrutiny over its use of force.

A 2022 report by the East Texas Civil Liberties Review found that the department ranked in the top 15% statewide for citizen complaints involving physical restraint.

While the department has denied any systemic problems, critics say the numbers — and videos like this — tell a different story.

What legal protections does a pregnant woman have when being detained or arrested?

According to Texas law, there’s no statute that bars the arrest of pregnant individuals, but medical accommodations — including transportation and posture — are required to ensure maternal and fetal safety.

“In cases where pregnancy is known or visibly disclosed, officers have a duty to proceed with heightened caution. Failure to do so may expose the department to civil liability under both state and federal law.”

If the woman experiences harm or pregnancy complications resulting from the incident, Tyler PD could face litigation — not only over use of force, but also over medical negligence.

TXAN 24 News will submit requests to Tyler Police Chief and the city manager’s office. At the time of publication, no statement has been received.

The identity and condition of the woman involved remain unconfirmed at this time.

Meanwhile, the video continues to fuel debate across East Texas.

What happened on that street in Tyler is more than a police-citizen interaction — it’s a mirror held up to a system struggling with accountability, transparency, and basic humanity.

For many in the community, it’s not just about one arrest. It’s about a pattern. And this time, it was caught on camera.

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If you witnessed this incident or have additional footage, please contact TXAN 24 News at newsroom@txan24news.com or call (469) 456-3794. Your identity can remain confidential.