Sheriff: Woman 38-weeks pregnant struck by cop may have reached for deputy's weapon (VIDEO)

GREENVILLE, Texas (AP) — A Texas sheriff says a deputy shown in a video apparently striking a pregnant woman may have used force to prevent her from taking his firearm.

Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks acknowledged at a news conference Wednesday that he's not certain Deanna Robinson reached for the weapon. But he says the deputy told investigators that she loosened his ammunition belt in the struggle.

Robinson was 38 weeks pregnant when she was arrested March 4 at her parents' home northeast of Dallas during a child abuse investigation.

WARNING: This video contains content some may find disturbing



Home surveillance video appears to show Robinson pressed stomach-first against a counter, then the deputy raising his arm and striking her. The 38-year-old Robinson is heard on tape screaming, "I'm pregnant!"

Following the incident, Robinson was arrested and spent six days in jail under the charge of resisting arrest, interfering with child custody and assaulting an officer. Her child, Levi, was born six days after she was freed from jail.

The video was later posted online.

Robinson wants the deputy charged with assault.  Robinson, and Iraq War veteran, has hired an attorney. She has not disclosed whether or not she will file a lawsuit.