LAPD out-do themselves again
- Thread starter mrtonguetwista
- Start date
EL MONTE -- The L.A. County Sheriff's Department will investigate the arrest of a gang member in which an officer kicked the suspect in the head after he had surrendered.
El Monte Police spokesperson Lt. Ken Alva also says that the police department will conduct a separate investigation into the arrest.
The officer involved in the incident has been reassigned to non-patrol duties pending the outcome of the investigations.
Earlier today, the American Civil Liberties Union called for the suspension of officer.
Helicopter footage showed the driver of a gray 4-door sedan speed the wrong way down a street in an eastern area of the county.
He then crashed into an oncoming vehicle, got out the car and ran into a residential back yard.
When he saw officers, the suspect -- identified by police as 23-year-old Richard Rodriguez, of El Monte -- dropped to the ground with his arms outstretched.
Moments later, an officer from the El Monte Police Department ran up to Rodriguez and appeared to kick him once in the head or neck area.
A second officer arrived immediately after and used what appeared to be a baton or flashlight to strike Rodriguez in his side several times.
After Rodriguez was taken into custody, the first officer could be seen giving a high-five to one officer and slapping another on the back, according to reports. It was not clear if those officers saw the kick.
El Monte Police Chief Tom Armstrong said he wanted to "look at all the facts" before making any comment.
"That kick served no law enforcement purpose," said Ramona Ripston, the ACLU's executive director. "It was unlawful punishment, apparently for leading the police on a pursuit."
El Monte Police spokesperson Lt. Ken Alva also says that the police department will conduct a separate investigation into the arrest.
The officer involved in the incident has been reassigned to non-patrol duties pending the outcome of the investigations.
Earlier today, the American Civil Liberties Union called for the suspension of officer.
Helicopter footage showed the driver of a gray 4-door sedan speed the wrong way down a street in an eastern area of the county.
He then crashed into an oncoming vehicle, got out the car and ran into a residential back yard.
When he saw officers, the suspect -- identified by police as 23-year-old Richard Rodriguez, of El Monte -- dropped to the ground with his arms outstretched.
Moments later, an officer from the El Monte Police Department ran up to Rodriguez and appeared to kick him once in the head or neck area.
A second officer arrived immediately after and used what appeared to be a baton or flashlight to strike Rodriguez in his side several times.
After Rodriguez was taken into custody, the first officer could be seen giving a high-five to one officer and slapping another on the back, according to reports. It was not clear if those officers saw the kick.
El Monte Police Chief Tom Armstrong said he wanted to "look at all the facts" before making any comment.
"That kick served no law enforcement purpose," said Ramona Ripston, the ACLU's executive director. "It was unlawful punishment, apparently for leading the police on a pursuit."
