Kentucky residents are still reeling over a harrowing incident in Covington where a routine police response turned into a nightmare for a local woman. Kathleen Keitz, 34, was sitting in her car outside a store last year after learning her boyfriend had been cheating when police arrived, and what happened next has sparked outrage online. According to bodycam footage and reports, Officer Douglas Ullrich, a nearly 14-year veteran of the Covington Police Department, ended up snapping Keitz’s arm while trying to restrain her.
The encounter began when officers were called after someone reported that Keitz might be suicidal. Rather than de-escalating, Ullrich reportedly tapped on her car window and demanded she step out so they could search for weapons. Keitz, trying to explain she was fine and asking the officers to leave her alone, was met with a threatening response. “‘If you don’t step out, I am going to pull you out of the car, and I really don’t want to do that,’” Ullrich told her.
Moments later, the situation escalated dramatically. Keitz exited the vehicle quickly, and the officers grabbed her wrists to restrain her (via Atlanta Black Star). Bodycam footage captures Ullrich saying, “‘I’m just trying to take control of you because you’re acting crazy,’” before yanking her left arm while a colleague restrained her right. A terrifying audible snap follows, with Ullrich immediately exclaiming, “‘Oh s***,’” and Keitz screaming, “‘Oh my god! Oh my god! I think you broke my arm! I think you broke my arm!’”
Kentucky Cop Snaps Woman’s Arm During Arrest
Keitz suffered a severe fracture, requiring 14 staples and a metal rod to repair her arm. She later filed a lawsuit against the officers involved, citing “unjustified aggression, physical intrusion, and egregious abuse of police authority.” The case is particularly notable because Ullrich has a documented history of complaints: this is at least the seventh lawsuit filed against him in the past four years, per Daily Mail. Meanwhile, personnel records reveal that in a 2014 text, he bragged, “‘I violate every policy.’”
The footage paints a chilling picture of the encounter. At one point, Keitz asks, “‘Take me to jail because of cussing at you?’” and Ullrich responds, “‘Yes, because you’re yelling and screaming and being an a*****e about it.’” Another officer, Sean Sinacori, attempts to cuff her as Ullrich pins her again, ultimately causing the arm-breaking incident. Even as Keitz screamed in pain, Ullrich’s demeanor shifted only after the injury occurred, calling for her to sit down and assuring her that an ambulance was on the way.
Of course, the internet was torn about the situation. Many were horrified by the injury. However, others claim that the woman should have just cooperated with the police. “Just comply,” one person stated. “Broke arm AFTER she resisted. No sympathy,” another agreed. “Typical American law enforcement,” a third comment read. “The cop is a bully,” a fourth wrote.
The Internet Is Torn
This isn’t just another story of excessive force; it highlights ongoing concerns about accountability within Kentucky’s law enforcement. Residents are left asking how a veteran officer with a history of lawsuits and a cavalier attitude toward policy enforcement could still be in a position of authority. For Keitz, what should have been a vulnerable moment seeking help turned into a traumatic experience that required serious medical intervention.
As the lawsuit moves forward, the Covington community and Kentucky at large are watching closely. Kathleen Keitz’s story is a stark reminder of the very real consequences of police overreach and how a single interaction can forever change someone’s life.
Kendra Quinn 
Emma Taylor 
Nina Franklin 
