Former NASA scientist sues HPD

HOUSTON

Hatice Cullingford claims she was pushed, bruised and injured by Houston police. She was arrested in August of 2009 after allegedly threatening a man and woman walking their dog in front of her Clear Lake home. The couple called police after Cullingford allegedly threatened to shoot them.

What happened after that is at the heart of Cullingford's lawsuit. She claims Houston police falsely arrested her and used excessive force.

Her criminal case was dismissed last year. Her civil lawsuit against the city of Houston and the police officers involved was filed this week.

The city of Houston responded to Cullingford's lawsuit saying it is "being investigated by the internal affairs division" of the Houston Police Department.