Incident Involving Handcuffed Woman in Florida

Recently released surveillance footage depicts a Florida woman, who was handcuffed, extracting a firearm concealed in her pants and firing at a moving sheriff’s vehicle during a traffic stop.

In June, authorities from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office charged 22-year-old Leanna Harden with a suspended license, providing false identification, and drug possession. Reports stated that Harden was upset about her treatment while being transported to jail, and she reportedly prayed just before discharging the firearm, according to court records.

Despite the deputy searching Harden three times, he did not find the hidden weapon. Footage obtained from inside the patrol car reveals Harden rummaging through her pants while seated in the back. Deputies noted that she was “flexible” enough to pull out the firearm and fire shots inside the cruiser, which was being driven by the deputy at the time.

The patrol car subsequently collided with a utility pole after the shots were fired. It was reported that the deputy managed to escape the vehicle and retaliate. Both Harden and the deputy were hospitalized following the incident but were later released.

Interestingly, the surveillance video shows Harden freeing her left hand from the handcuffs at least once. Investigators indicated that Harden was able to execute the shooting using a small revolver, even though she had been handcuffed behind her back after being patted down before her arrest.

Following the incident, Harden faced additional charges of attempted second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. She had been denied bail due to her extensive criminal background, which included fleeing from law enforcement and grand theft. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 29.