Denver Police Face Lawsuit After Arresting Wrong Woman At Hospital

Denver police are facing charges after arresting a woman for a crime in which she was involved, according to CBS4. The arrest resulted in the woman spending two nights in jail she didn't commit.

The charges against the woman have since been dropped and disciplinary actions against the officers who made the arrest.

Sarah Cook was a patient at Denver Health in August 2019 receiving care after she believes she had been drugged and sexually assaulted at a party.

"I was drinking and dancing, and then I don't remember anything until I woke up in the hospital at Denver Health, and when I woke up I was really confused and my mind wasn't clear," Cook told CBS4.

At the same time, police were searching for a different woman who suspected of burglarizing a downtown building. Police were told the suspect went to St. Joseph's Hospital, but instead went to Denver Health, according to the lawsuit.

Cook was arrested while she was still in her hospital bed.

Three days later, police checked surveillance footage and realized they had arrested the wrong person and called Cook to drop the charges and apologize.

Cook said the three days before the charges were dropped were "agonizing," as she worried she might lose her job and license to practice as a registered nurse.

Internal affairs documents provided by Denver police show the two officers were given 10 days suspension which they served in late January 2020.

Cook's lawsuit states her constitutional rights were violated and calls for compensation. She hopes her lawsuit will force more action in the police department to make sure others aren't wrongfully arrested.

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