A Pennsylvania state trooper has been arrested and is now facing false imprisonment charges after allegedly detaining his ex-girlfriend and committing her to a mental health treatment facility, despite her not having any known mental health diagnosis. Ronald Davis, 37, was arrested on September 21, 2023.
The married officer was caught on video appearing to violently manhandle his former girlfriend. According to court documents, the victim claimed that he even told her, “I know you’re not crazy, I’ll paint you as crazy."
The incident took place on August 21, 2023. Davis is said to have requested help from his colleagues, saying that his ex had mental health problems.
The officer was off-duty at the time the incident took place. He allegedly contacted county officials through his police email account, identifying himself as a trooper in order to obtain an order after he submitting texts from the victim in which she threatened to kill herself.
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After receiving an order approval, Davis then allegedly stated, “I’ll take care of it myself,” as he went after the woman. This was before uniformed troopers were able to reach her.
The officer brought along a civilian companion with him. They found the victim in a picnic area at a state park.
Davis then picked his former girlfriend up and carried her to the car. The two appear to struggle on the ground near the car in the video.
The man with Davis captured the entire encounter on video. The officer is seen sitting on top of the victim while she asks, "What is wrong with you? I don't need help, I need to get away from you. You're insane."
She then continues to try to get away from him, to which Davis then tackles her to the ground before putting her up against the car and into handcuffs. More than once, she stated "I can't breathe," as he was on top of her.
The victim suffered injuries to her forehead, torso, back, buttocks, forearms, knee, and lower body. She was involuntarily committed into the facility for five days before being released. Davis is now facing charges of felony strangulation, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and official oppression.
