Lafayette Police Officer Accused of Assaulting Woman in Parking Lot
LAFAYETTE, Colo. — A civil lawsuit has been filed against Lafayette Police Officer Nathan Cashion by Jazzminn Martell, who accuses him of aggressively tailgating her and assaulting her in a parking lot on November 20, 2024. The lawsuit, filed by Kosloski Law, describes the incident as a terrifying experience for Martell, who was simply on her way to work when she claimed Cashion began to follow her aggressively after a brief encounter on Colorado Boulevard.
According to the lawsuit, Martell was driving south when Cashion allegedly began to tailgate her, with no marked police vehicle or uniform present, and without activating any emergency lights. Believing the situation posed a threat, Martell turned into a parking lot to evade him. However, Cashion followed her and, upon exiting his vehicle, allegedly assaulted her by grabbing her arm and forcefully slamming her against her car.
Cashion reportedly identified himself as an off-duty officer only after the assault began. The lawsuit highlights multiple claims against him, including violations of Martell’s rights under the Colorado Constitution, assault, and false imprisonment. Martell expressed that the assault has left her both physically injured and emotionally devastated, emphasizing that no one, including police officers, should feel entitled to intimidate or harm others.
As of the lawsuit filing, Cashion remains a certified officer with the Lafayette Police Department, although he is currently on administrative leave amid a criminal investigation. The department has not issued a public comment concerning the incident as of yet. Attorney Jason Kosloski condemned Cashion’s actions as harassment and violence, insisting that accountability is necessary to prevent future incidents.