[NYTr] Video of LAPD Brutality Leads to FBI Inquiry
 
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:19:33 -0500 (EST)

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The Telegraph (UK) - Nov 11, 2006
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/11/11/wpolice11.xml

Police 'brutality' video prompts FBI inquiry

By Catherine Elsworth in New York

The FBI has launched an investigation into alleged police brutality after
footage of an officer repeatedly punching a suspect in the head during an
arrest was posted on the video sharing website YouTube.com.

The incident, caught on mobile phone camera by a local resident, shows a man
being pinned to the ground on the side of a Hollywood street by two Los
Angeles Police Department officers.

One officer is seen hitting the suspect, William Cardenas, in the face as
his colleague attempts to handcuff him. He appears to use his knee to pin
down Cardenas, 24, who repeatedly yells: "I can't breathe!"

The arrest took place in August but the federal civil rights investigation
was only launched on Thursday after the online footage drew the matter to
the FBI's attention, said Laura Eimiller, a spokesman for the bureau.

The LAPD had begun its own investigation into the Aug 11 incident but made
little progress despite being shown the video among other evidence last
month.

The officers, Alexander Schlegel and Patrick Farrell, have been reassigned
to administrative duties pending the inquiry. The district attorney's office
is awaiting the outcome before deciding whether to press charges. "There's
no denying that the video is disturbing," said William Bratton, the Los
Angeles police chief. "Whether the actions of the officers were appropriate.
. . the investigation will determine."

The American Civil Liberties Union criticised the use of force and said it
was alarming that the incident only gained widespread attention because of
the internet. Ramona Ripston, the executive director of the ACLU of Southern
California, said: "YouTube is not an acceptable substitute for
accountability."

Lt Paul Vernon, a LAPD spokesman, said Cardenas was wanted for allegedly
receiving stolen property. In their arrest report, the officers said they
punched him amid concern that he might grab one of their guns.

Cardenas, who suffered cuts, was detained without bail and faces charges of
resisting arrest.
       
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