The Brentwood Police Department is under scrutiny following allegations of misconduct and a lack of transparency after the death of a 72-year-old woman, Yolanda Ramirez. On September 26, Ramirez was arrested outside her brother's home under circumstances that have yet to be fully explained. According to The Mercury News, the incident led to Ramirez suffering a brain bleed and her subsequent death on October 3. The claim asserts that at least six eyewitnesses saw a Brentwood officer force her to her knees, which resulted in Ramirez being hospitalized and later dying from her injuries.
It is notable that, on suspicion of a misdemeanor for allegedly yelling at a family member's home, Ramirez was arrested. Despite the policy in Contra Costa County requiring third-party investigations into law enforcement deaths, the Brentwood police failed to acknowledge or disclose details regarding Ramirez's case publicly. This failure to announce a law enforcement-involved death is the first time since 2020 in the county, according to The Mercury News. Additionally, a claim filed by her family details that Ramirez was allegedly mistreated by the arresting officers, resulting in severe health complications.
While no comments have been made by Brentwood police Chief Walter O'Grodnick, Melissa Nold, an attorney representing Ramirez's family, criticized the department's lack of response. "She deserved to be treated with dignity, respect and care and the department profoundly failed her in all of those aspects," Nold said in a written statement that KTVU reported. Ramirez is remembered in an obituary that highlights her life spent in Brentwood, her communal contributions, and her loving nature.
