What began as a traffic stop in Reading turned into a violent struggle, according to police, leaving one officer with a dislocated shoulder and a 39-year-old woman facing a stack of felony and misdemeanor charges in Hamilton County court.
Officers say Jamie Savell, 39, sprayed pepper spray into officers' eyes as they tried to arrest her, and that a Taser was used to bring the confrontation under control. Her arraignment has now sent the case into the Hamilton County court system, where several counts remain pending.
What happened in Reading
According to WLWT, court documents state Savell was in “physical control over her vehicle” while allegedly under the influence and refused repeated commands to get out. WLWT reports she sprayed two officers in the face with mace, tried to spray a third officer, and hit an officer with a closed fist.
WLWT further notes officers said they deployed a Taser to gain compliance and that one officer was left with a dislocated shoulder and abrasions from the struggle.
Charges and arraignment
As reported by WKRC, Savell is charged with three counts of assaulting a police officer, two counts of felonious assault, obstructing official business and resisting arrest.
WKRC also reports that prosecutors told the judge Savell was already out on bond in a previous case involving assault and resisting charges, and that the judge ordered her held on a $90,000 bond at her arraignment.
Court calendar and bond figures
However, WLWT reported the judge set Savell’s total bond at $130,000 for the combined cases and that prosecutors intend to present the matter to a grand jury on May 26.
The differing bond totals reflect how each outlet summarized the various filings and counts that were listed together at arraignment.
Police department context
The Reading Police Department has had a busy month for reasons that go beyond the Savell case. The city placed Chief Bryan Edens on administrative leave on May 6 and appointed an interim chief while an outside review moves forward, according to FOX19. That personnel action is separate from the criminal charges against Savell but adds to the scrutiny on the small department.
Legal implications
Per WKRC, prosecutors at arraignment highlighted that Savell was already on bond in another case and outlined multiple felony and misdemeanor counts that will proceed in Hamilton County court. Their stated plan to seek grand jury review indicates that formal indictments on the felony charges are expected to be the next procedural step.
Savell remains in custody while the case moves forward. Upcoming court filings and the grand jury process will determine whether additional charges are added, indictments are returned or bond conditions are revisited. Local court records and prosecutors’ submissions will provide the next public updates in this active Hamilton County case.
