The Montana Division of Criminal Investigations has been called in to conduct a separate investigation of a police officer accused of using excessive force against a Northern Cheyenne Reservation woman.

Billings Officer Randy Minkoff is already the subject of an internal investigation. He has been suspended for the manner in which he arrested Berdine Gladys Shoulderblade on January 22.

Several people witnessed the incident and said they saw Minkoff slam Shoulderblade on the ground and slap and kick her. Minkoff has previously been suspended for a very similar incident in 2002, The Billings Gazette reported.

Get the Story:
State to look at claim of excess force (The Billings Gazette 2/7)

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