Buckeye police officer accused of punching 2 handcuffed arrestees in separate incidents

A Buckeye police officer was indicted by a grand jury Wednesday on aggravated assault charges after a criminal investigation revealed that she allegedly punched two arrestees, one of whom was pregnant, according to court documents.

In a statement, Buckeye Chief Robert Sanders explained that he requested the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) conduct a probe in January into Officer Carri Carrico’s actions in two separate use-of-force incidents.

“Currently, Officer Carrico is on leave without pay as our Professional Standards Unit finalizes administrative investigations into the two incidents,” Sanders said. “Additional information will be made public when available.”

The chief also urged residents not to judge the department based on one officer’s actions.

Buckeye officer allegedly punched both arrestees while they were handcuffed

In November 2025, Carrico arrested a woman who was 37 weeks pregnant for reckless driving and took her back to the department to be booked.

While trying to restrain the woman, who was still handcuffed, to a bench, Carrico’s body cam as well as surveillance cameras showed the officer shove the woman forward then punch her in the side of the head after the woman grabbed Carrico’s hand.

The woman told investigators that she saw “black spots” for about 10 to 20 seconds after Carrico’s jab. She was also taken to Abrazo West Hospital for head pain, according to court documents.

The second use-of-force incident involving Carrico took place on Jan. 25, when she and an officer in training were transporting a male arrestee to an MCSO intake, transfer and release facility.

Records show Carrico was removing the man from the transport car when he lunged at and headbutted her. She proceeded to put him on the ground before he was taken inside the facility.

While the man was being taken to a pre-search area, surveillance cameras caught Carrico strike him in the side of the head with a closed fist. It was noted that the man was handcuffed and restrained by two officers when Carrico hit him.

According to court documents, there were also multiple MCSO detention staff who not only witnessed Carrico strike the man but noted that his face was red afterward.

In a written statement, Carrico admitted to delivering what she called “distraction strike.”

Carrico was recognized in July 2025 for her impaired driving enforcement.

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