Felony charges have been filed against a young woman involved in a struggle with police a year ago.
Video of Taylor Brown's scuffle with officers in the lobby of the Normal police station went viral. Brown had balked at requests to turn over her cell phone to police, and the situation devolved into officers subduing Brown.
Investigators had wanted to preserve potential evidence concerning a suspicious fire at Brown's apartment on Park Trail Road until they got a warrant to search the phone. A judge later denied the warrant, and Brown has filed a federal lawsuit accusing officers of using excessive force. Town of Normal Interim Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa said the federal suit was 'stayed' by agreement of both parties late in 2023.
Now, Brown faces two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer related to the incident.
She will be arraigned Feb. 16.
The state appellate prosecutor is handling the case after the McLean County State's Attorney's Office declined, citing an unnamed conflict.
