ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A St. Louis County woman is demanding the St. Louis County Police Department fire one of its officers because of the way she said he treated her during a stop.
"I have a very high regard for police officers, always have. They've always been on my prayer list every night," said Millicent Williams.
For more than 30 years Williams said she's been praying for police officers - especially her husband, a city officer who retired after a 40-year career and now works as a county bailiff.
"I'm very passionate about the police because I know their jobs and what they go through," said Williams.
But it's what she said she went through that has her questioning her faith in those sworn to serve and protect.
Williams said she was coming home from a late night at the hospital with her son in April when she turned down a dark road off Page Avenue in St. Louis County and saw blinding lights in her rearview mirror.
"A flood light," recalled Williams. "Because all I saw was light but I figured...it was a police officer."
"So I immediately reduced my speed and put on my flasher to adhere to him, that I was aware that he was behind me.. That I wasn't going to stop on Lackland...where it's very dark," said Williams.
She said she never saw red and blue lights, but kept her speed low, flashers on, and in about a quarter-mile pulled over at a well-lit gas station.
When the officer approached Williams said she could see his hand on his gun. She said she put her hands on the wheel. She said when the officer told her to get out of the car, stretch out her arms, and spread her legs she did.
Williams said the way the officer ran his hands over her body caused her to "panic."
"He comes across my breast and down my legs," Williams recalled. She said he then cuffed her, still without telling her why she was stopped or asking for her identification.
Williams said she was afraid.
"I just urinated all over myself," she said. "I felt so humiliated. "I felt like I was raped."
The officer let Williams go with no charges and no ticket.
She filed a complaint with county police and in August received a letter from Chief Jon Belmar that included and "apology for her aggravation."
"I would love to know how would he feel if someone did that to his wife," asked Williams through tears.
Williams and a coalition of supporters are calling for the officer to be fired.
They took that demand to the St. Louis County Council Tuesday night.
So far, no word from the council if they plan to get involved.
St. Louis County Police said in a statement, "This incident was brought to the attention of the St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Professional Standards, who conducted a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. That investigation revealed that the complaint was sustained and discipline was rendered to the officer accordingly."
Williams said as the officer was letting her go he told her he pulled her over for "swerving." She said she was not giving any tests for intoxication and was not cited for any violation.
