Beaumont Woman Blinded In Police Pepper Spray Incident Holds Press Conference

At her attorney’s office in Los Angeles on Tuesday,31-year-old Monique Hernandez, using a cane and needing the help of her daughter and the support of her parents, spokeat a newsconference to talk about how her life changed on Feb. 21this year.

That night, she lost her eyesight.

Beaumont police officer Enoch Clark allegedly blinded Hernandez when he fired a powerful pepper spray gun from close range at her faceduring a sobriety test in front of her parents home.

Hernandez was not arrestedand now doctors tell hershe is permanently blind.

“It’s difficult,” said Hernandez.”Like Ihave to learn everything all over again. From walking to showering, taking care of myself. It’s not a good feeling.”

Last week officer Clark pleaded not guilty to fourfelony assault charges.
Hernandez’s attorney is planning to file a damage claim against the city of Beaumont.