Everlyn Sampi considers legal action after Broome police shove captured on video

WA Police have launched an internal investigation after video footage emerged of an officer pushing actress Everlyn Sampi to the ground during an arrest in Broome, as the 37-year-old weighs legal action and faces charges of obstructing officers.

The four-minute video, filmed from a distance on a cul-de-sac in Broome on Tuesday night, shows several officers restraining a man on the ground. Ms Sampi is seen standing nearby before another officer approaches and pushes her, causing her to fall onto the pavement. The exchange between the officer and Ms Sampi cannot be heard in the footage.

Police allege Ms Sampi interfered as officers attempted to arrest the man. WA Police said in a statement: “[The woman] allegedly interfered with police while they were performing their lawful duties, grabbing officers from behind as they managed a violent situation.”

Ms Sampi said she was acting out of concern for her relative, who she says has a mental health condition, and was worried about the way he was being restrained. “He was trying to fight back, but he was handcuffed” she said. Her mother, Glenys Sampi, said she had called police earlier that evening seeking assistance because she was worried about the relative’s allegedly aggressive behaviour. She said the situation escalated after police arrived, and her daughter was trying to intervene when an officer “pushed her real hard, where she had a fall and nearly cracked her head”.

WA Police say the man became aggressive and assaulted two officers, causing minor injuries. Police have charged Ms Sampi with two counts of obstructing public officers and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant. The man has been charged with two counts of assaulting a public officer.

Police Minister Reece Whitby said he was aware of the incident and an internal inquiry had begun. “Police have certain responsibilities and obligations in the way they conduct themselves but also they’re on the front lines” he said.

Ms Sampi is best known for her role in the 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence, which depicted the story of Stolen Generations children taken from family and Country. Ms Sampi has said she is considering legal action against the officer involved, as the internal investigation proceeds and the matter moves toward the Broome Magistrates Court later this month.