A Routine Encounter That Turned Into a Nightmare
On April 7, 2021, Andrea Hollingsworth was sitting in a parked car in North Las Vegas with her 11-year-old twin daughters, waiting for a friend to reimburse her rent money . What should have been an uneventful wait turned into a traumatic encounter with police—and eventually led to a $1.2 million settlement that would change department policy .
Hollingsworth, who is deaf and communicates primarily through American Sign Language, was approached by Officer Michael Rose, who was investigating a harassment complaint . The officer immediately began issuing verbal commands, but Hollingsworth could not hear him. Compounding the problem, Rose was wearing a neck gaiter that covered his mouth, making lip-reading impossible .
“You’re Not Listening”—A Tragic Misunderstanding
Despite Hollingsworth and her daughters repeatedly explaining that she was deaf, Officer Rose refused to accommodate her communication needs . According to the lawsuit, Rose “proceeded to demand Ms. Hollingsworth respond to his inquiries without providing her with any means to communicate” and refused to use pen and paper .
Instead of seeking a qualified interpreter, Rose attempted to use Hollingsworth’s terrified 11-year-old daughters as interpreters while they cried in fear . The situation escalated when Rose instructed Hollingsworth to sit on a curb—a command she could not hear.
“Sit down or I will sit you down,” Rose told her before forcing her to the ground and handcuffing her hands behind her back—her primary means of communication—while her daughters watched in horror .
When Hollingsworth asked “why?” in confusion, Rose responded: “Because you’re not listening” .
The Legal Battle and $1.2 Million Settlement
Hollingsworth was arrested but never cited for any crime . The incident sparked a federal lawsuit alleging excessive force, civil rights violations, and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act .
The case was resolved through mediation, and in February 2026, the North Las Vegas City Council approved a $1.2 million settlement for Hollingsworth and her daughters .
“I hope this settlement stops them from doing this to anyone else ever again,” Hollingsworth said in a statement .
Policy Changes and a Warning to Police Nationwide
While the city admitted no wrongdoing, the case prompted significant changes. North Las Vegas police officers now receive annual mandatory deaf sensitivity training, and the department contracts with ASL Communications to provide interpreters when needed . Multiple officers testified they now wish they had received such training, which some have referred to as the “Officer Rose” training .
“This settlement should serve as a clear warning—not only to the City of North Las Vegas, but to police departments nationwide—that using minor children to facilitate communication is unacceptable,” said Brittany Shrader of the National Association of the Deaf .
Hollingsworth’s words after the settlement were simple but powerful: “NLVPD yall better never disrespect my Deaf and hard-of-hearing community again” . Her case stands as a reminder that what looks like defiance may simply be a plea to be heard.
