Nationwide — Yolanda Ramirez, a 72-year-old woman from Brentwood, California, died a week after a police encounter that began as a family dispute. Her family believes she was a victim of excessive force, while authorities say she experienced a medical emergency.
On September 26, Brentwood police responded to a home on Broderick Drive following a report of a domestic conflict. Police said a family member had made a citizen’s arrest and that Ramirez tried to flee when officers arrived. But witnesses and the family’s attorney dispute that claim.
Her son, Rich Ramirez, told ABC 7 News that his mother had gone to her brother’s home that morning to take him to a medical appointment. Later, neighbors told him they saw his mother handcuffed, on her knees, while officers searched her purse and car.
Attorney Melissa Nold, who represents the family, alleges that Officer Aaron Peachman struck Ramirez’s head against a patrol car window and slammed her legs in the door before leaving her unattended. Moments later, paramedics were called to the scene. Witnesses reportedly saw Ramirez unconscious and covered in vomit as she was carried out of the police vehicle.
Ramirez was rushed to a hospital with a severe brain bleed and underwent surgery. A week later, her family made the decision to remove her from life support on October 3. “She was there when I took my first breath, and I wanted to be there when she took her last,” her son said.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Brentwood Police said Ramirez appeared to have a medical issue in the patrol car and that her condition worsened at the hospital. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident.
Nold said at least six witnesses observed what happened but have not been interviewed by investigators. She plans to file a lawsuit against the city, alleging a cover-up.
“I think they’re trying to cover up something that happened that shouldn’t have happened by hoping that the family will just go away as opposed to having to explain this that seems to be the… based on all the information I’ve gathered is that they’re trying to hide something bad that happened to a person it shouldn’t have happened to,” said Nold.
Officer Peachman’s attorney, Doug Foley, said his client fully cooperated with investigators, submitted a detailed report, and followed department policy. He confirmed that bodycam and patrol car footage are part of the ongoing review.
Ramirez’s family continues to seek answers, saying her death could have been avoided. “Just very unnecessary and tragic, and she should still be here,” said her son.