Superior police release bodycam footage from arrest at Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds, officer fired
By: -----
Body camera footage has been released from an April 13 arrest at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds, which then-officer Jarid Rankila responded to.
Concerns were raised when Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf reviewed the footage, alleging that it contradicts Rankila's report that claimed a woman kicked the door of a squad car and slammed Rankila's right hand in the door.
Rankila rated his pain level at that moment as eight out of 10 and reported he had bruising, abrasions and swelling, according to Fruehauf.
The body camera footage shows Rankila quickly removing his hand before the door closes. He then says, “Hey! Knock it off! You almost smashed my hand in the (expletive) door!”
Rankila reported going to the emergency room and talking briefly with a doctor, but did not give the doctor’s name or submit a photo of the injury. GPS data indicated Rankila’s squad car was at Essentia Hospital for two minutes and 21 seconds, according to a letter Fruehauf sent to Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt on Aug. 26.
Concerns about Rankila's credibility have led to the dismissal of 40 cases in Douglas County Circuit Court, including many drug-related felonies.
Rankila is no longer employed by the department.