Beaumont Woman's Pepper Spray Injuries: Photos Distributed by Attorney

An attorney representing Beaumont resident Monique Hernandez has distributed disturbing photos that show injuries Hernandez sustained when she was pepper-sprayed by a Beaumont police officer during a DUI traffic stop in February.

The woman's eyes were "severely injured and it is doubtful she will see again," a District Attorney's spokesman said Thursday, citing medical reports.

Beaumont police Officer Enoch Clark was arraigned Thursday on four felonies stemming from the Feb. 21 incident. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Hernandez was injured by a less-than-lethal device issued by Beaumont police called a JPX, according to the District Attorney's Office.

"This device uses a 'wafer' of gun powder to propel a stream of pepper spray . . .  at a speed of more than 400 mph," a statement issued by the D.A. Thursday said.

"The minimum distance the device is to be utilized is about five feet with the optimum distance to be used being between six and 16 feet," the District Attorney's statement said.

"It was determined that Clark fired the JPX at the woman's face from a distance of about 10 inches. Both of the victim's eyes were severely injured and it is doubtful she will see again, according to medical reports."

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department conducted an investigation of the incident, at the request of Beaumont police, and forwarded their findings to the District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors reviewed the evidence and brought the case before a , which indicted Clark last week.

on Miranda Lane have been released by Beaumont police, the District Attorney's Office, and Clark's attorney, and they mention "an event," "an altercation," and "resisting arrest," respectively.

But details of how Hernandez resisted arrest, and for how long, have not been released. Video from Clark's police vehicle may or may not show conclusively what occurred. The video has not been released either.

Clark's attorney, Kasey A. Castillo, said Clark is "remorseful for the injuries to Ms. Hernandez," and "he is innocent of all charges."

Castillo also said Clark is "anxious for his day in court."

Clark is free on $50,000 bail, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Los Angeles attorney Milton Grimes is representing Hernandez, and he distributed the photos showing her injuries to news media Thursday and Friday.

"I'm glad he is anxious for his day in court," Grimes said. "He should be ready for trial then."

Grimes said Friday he is preparing a civil action stemming from the Feb. 21 incident.