Crime & Safety
Chief Beck Gets Restraining Order Against Woman Who Threw Ashes
Chief Charlie Beck got a temporary restraining order from a woman who threw what she claimed to be her niece's ashes at him last week.
LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck has obtained a temporary restraining order against a woman who threw what she said were a dead person's ashes at him during a Police Commission meeting earlier this week, it was reported Thursday.
Sheila Hines-Brim was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from Beck, his work and his home, according to the court order, the Los Angeles Times reported. Hines-Brim is allowed to attend Police Commission and other public meetings, but must stay at least five yards away from the chief.
Hines-Brim said she threw the ashes of her niece, who died in police custody in 2016.
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Beck said he is ``afraid for my safety" and the safety of his family, the commission members and police employees when Hines-Brim is near, according to a declaration attached to the order and cited by The Times.
Beck said he was sitting on the dais in front of Hines-Brim, a meeting regular who kept repeating that she had a retirement gift for the outgoing chief, The Times reported. He said he told her she could give it to one of the officers on the security detail.
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As he read a report to the commission, the civilian panel that oversees the LAPD, he saw Hines-Brim approach. She tossed a gray substance, which he said went into his throat and landed on his face, glasses and coat.
``That's Wakiesha Wilson's ashes," she shouted, walking toward the exit.
Beck ordered her to be arrested and the meeting ended early. Hines- Brim was booked on suspicion of battery on a police officer and released on bail.
Some community activists have rejected the finding that Wilson committed suicide in a jail cell, saying she died as a result of a confrontation with detention officers.
Police officials have said that there were no signs of an altercation and that the officers did not use force against Wilson. But her death prompted internal reviews of some LAPD practices, including when jail staff should contact a mental health unit about an inmate. The city paid nearly $300,000 last year to settle legal claims brought by Wilson's relatives.
City News Service; Photo: Renee Schiavone
