New evidence in physical assault

[humor me]

Glendale, AZ

While walking my service dog about 10:30 Saturday night, one of my neighbors that has given me grief in the past decided that she couldn't just let me by but had to get in my face... again. I did my best to just go around, but I'm not changing my whole routine to suit her egotistical, drunken, bullying friends. I told her if she put her hands on me again, I was calling the police, I was on the public part of the apartment complex, and she needed to leave me alone. Her friends dragged her back into her apartment.

As I was headed through the parking lot I heard her coming after me. Because of my mobility issues, running was out of the question, so I froze hoping she would just overlook me. No such luck. She saw me and approached me with a personal, keyring can of pepper spray. I again told her to leave me alone and she attempted to use the spray on me. I was fairly certain I was safe though since she was pretty smashed and I didn't see her release any type of safety. She then grabbed me again and I told her I was DONE and I was calling the police. That's when her friends came along and dragged her back to the apartment again. I probably had the option of beating her with my cane at the point I felt threatened with the pepper spray, but three-on-one I didn't think was going to be very good odds.

When the policeman came to take my report, I didn't have any bruises from my attack initially, but I can now see them starting to form; faintly. I'm going to try to get to the City Court and file a restraining order today (Monday), but because I have another appointment that required that I take a bus and will take up most of the day, it may not happen until Tuesday.

Should I try and take pictures myself?
Who will need the pictures?
Will the camera on my cell phone do?
Anything else I should know?

Thanks for your help.

[Samuel]

I would contact the agency handling your case and ask them what their preferences are... Nothing wrong with taking your own pictures or having a friend take pictures for your own records...

[icu650]

If these bruises are evident, pictures followed by a doctors report is important. Not all bruises show up immediately jot down the date they appeared for future reference. I agree follow "'Samuel's" advice.

[humor me]

Thank you. I called and they sent an officer out to take a photo of the bruise that showed up. It will be added to my file.

Getting to the doctor would be more tricky as I have to have 72 hour's notice (and an available appointment time for the doctor) for a taxi supplied by AHCCCS. I hardly consider this an emergency and refuse to waste resources as such. I just wanted the photographic evidence that I was manhandled.

[scott715us]

A civil lawsuit for battery is always fun too. Intentional torts like battery are fairly easy to win with minimal evidence.