Local candidate says she was unconstitutionally arrested, asks city to review footage

April Pinkston, a candidate for State House District 72, told the Hurricane City Council during public comment that she was unconstitutionally arrested at her home in July 2023 and asked the city to "make me whole." Pinkston said she has Ring-camera videos and requested a meeting with city officials to review the footage rather than pursue a federal civil‑rights lawsuit.

Pinkston described a sequence of events she said began in November 2022 when a housemate’s heavy drinking escalated into threats against her then‑minor daughter. She said a moving‑day confrontation culminated in an encounter in which a man she did not know entered her home and she feared for her safety. "As a four‑time survivor, I feared for my life," Pinkston said, recounting that she drew a gun in self‑defense and called dispatch; she said police later arrested her despite her cooperation and offers of video evidence.

Pinkston said the arresting officer’s police report claimed he observed her with a gun and that requested body‑camera footage had been heavily redacted. She told the council she accepted a misdemeanor brandishing plea after two and a half years of emotional distress because her attorney was retiring and she could not afford to restart the case. "I have consulted constitutional and Second Amendment attorneys who agreed my rights were violated," she said, and asked the city to discuss restitution and policy changes to prevent similar outcomes.

Kristen Isham, who identified herself as a witness, told the council "what she says is true." Mayor (S1) said the city would discuss Pinkston’s request with the city attorney and follow up.

The council did not take a formal action on the comment; the mayor said staff would consult the city attorney about next steps.

Pinkston’s statements are allegations made during public comment. The council’s only recorded response at the meeting was that staff would confer with the city attorney; no agreement, settlement, or formal investigation was recorded during the session.