Sonoma Co. Deputy Testifies At Opening Of Lemos Family Obstruction Trial

SONOMA COUNTY, CA – Testimony began today at the trial of a mother and daughter charged with misdemeanor obstruction of a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy last year near Petaluma.

Gabrielle Lemos, 19, and her mother, Michelle Lemos, 48, allegedly obstructed Deputy Marcus Holton outside their Liberty Road home in unincorporated Sonoma County on June 13, 2015.

The Lemos family has filed a federal civil rights suit alleging Holton used excessive force against Gabrielle by grabbing her in a chokehold, and throwing her to the ground and grinding her face into the gravel of their
driveway.

Holton testified this afternoon he stopped near the Lemos home late that night because a 40-foot truck and racecar trailer was blocking the south lane of the rural road. Holton testified he heard screaming that indicated there might be an ongoing domestic violence incident at the Lemos home. He said he questioned Lemos' sister Karli, who had been drinking alcohol at a graduation party for Gabrielle, and was sitting in the passenger seat of the truck.

Holton testified when he opened the passenger door, Michelle, Gabrielle and another Lemos family member objected, and Gabrielle smashed into the right side of his body where his gun was holstered, poked his right
shoulder and said he had no right to take her sister out of the car.

Holton testified he then informed Michelle twice that he intended to arrest Gabrielle for obstructing him.
"I wanted her to help and be involved in the arrest and deescalate the situation," Holton said.

Michelle told Gabrielle to go into the house, Holton said, and he grabbed Gabrielle's left wrist with both his hands to handcuff her as she turned to leave. Gabrielle pulled her arm away and he and Gabrielle were both
injured when he took Gabrielle to the ground, Holton said.

Holton said that as he straddled Gabrielle in order to handcuff her, Michelle kicked him in the face and shoulder from behind and grabbed the collar of his uniform.

Holton said he didn't know what other members of the Lemos family were doing at the time, and that presented "a dangerous situation."

Other deputies arrived and one took control of Michelle Lemos, Holton said. The Petaluma Fire Department responded and took Gabrielle to a hospital for treatment of facial injuries. Gabrielle was arrested and taken
to jail after she was medically cleared, Holton said.

Gabrielle's attorney Izaak Schwaiger told the 10 women and four men on the jury during his opening statement that the incident was an instance of excessive force by police.

Holton's testimony continues Tuesday in Sonoma County Superior Court.

Previous case coverage:

• Gabbi Lemos Arrest Video Posted By Sonoma County Sheriff
• Sonoma County Sheriff: Why We Released The Gabbi Lemos Video Now
• Vindictive Prosecution Complaint Will Be Heard In Lemos Case

• Also see: Man Reports Early-Morning, Armed Hold-Up At Petaluma ATM

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