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CSULA Student Alleges Excessive Force After CHP Arrest

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A Southern California college student Friday announced a federal lawsuit against a California Highway Patrol officer for alleged excessive force against a young woman.

According to the lawsuit, Cal State University Los Angeles student Aloni Bonilla alleges CHP Officer Jose Ramirez used excessive force during an encounter on March 21, 2012, after Bonilla was pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence.

KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports after a breathalyzer test at the scene found traces of alcohol, the 25-year-old Bonilla was arrested and transported to Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina for a blood sample

CSULA Student Alleges Excessive Force After CHP Arrest

A YouTube page attributed to Bonilla claims she consented to the blood sample before the alleged physical altercation took place between Bonilla and Ramirez.

"He grabbed my by my arm, lifted me out of my chair, turned me around and slammed, drilling my head into the wall," Bonilla told reporters at the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

Bonilla - claims the incident left her with a black eye and five slipped discs in her spine and neck alleged as a result from the altercation with Ramirez - was found guilty in criminal court for DUI, resisting arrest and vandalism.

In a statement, Bonilla said the lawsuit is part of a wider effort to address "police brutality in low income areas and against women".

According to Bonilla, authorities would not let her use any hospital surveillance video in court, and that Officer Ramirez was cleared in an internal investigation.

CHP officials would not comment due to ongoing litigation.

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