Ain't That a Kick In the Head (LAPD Style)

By TChris, Section Misconduct
Posted on Thu May 14, 2009 at 07:09:00 AM EST
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KTTV has the latest video of an LAPD officer administering a needless blow (this time a kick to the head) to a prostrate suspect who, by the time the officer reached him (this time at the end of a high speed chase), wasn't resisting arrest.

Video of the arrest from a hovering media helicopter showed Rodriguez dropping to the ground with his arms and legs spread before officers reached him. The first officer to reach him approached the prone suspect with his gun drawn, then kicked him in the head. He and another officer jumped on top of the suspect, and one officer struck the man several times while trying to handcuff him.

Rodriguez leaves his car about ten minutes into the twelve minute video. [more ...]

As Rodriguez raced away from an officer who tried to perform a traffic stop, he threw something out of his window. He drove recklessly (speeding through intersections, briefly driving on a sidewalk, and entering a lane of oncoming traffic) before crashing into an SUV. At the end of the chase, it's understandable that the officer's adrenalin was elevated. None of that justifies the use of excessive force. If a cop can't exercise self-control in a stressful situation, he shouldn't be a cop.

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Ain't That a Kick In the Head (LAPD Style) | 7 comments (7 topical)

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Sounds like a good (none / 0) (#1)
by oldpro on Thu May 14, 2009 at 01:12:39 AM EST

candidate for a transfer to the torture squad.

i think they get (none / 0) (#2)
by cpinva on Thu May 14, 2009 at 08:53:37 AM EST

extra "style" points for this.

stealth news choppers? (none / 0) (#3)
by Jen M on Thu May 14, 2009 at 09:03:37 AM EST

or really good telephoto lenses?

Oh, the cops knew they were there. (none / 0) (#4)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu May 14, 2009 at 11:56:12 AM EST

The kicker lost control despite the news choppers presence.

Does not look good for him.


: Run from a cop = (none / 0) (#5)
by jondee on Thu May 14, 2009 at 05:14:31 PM EST

automatic as* whipping has been the unwritten rule for as long as I can remember. And if the punishment isnt dished out on the spot for fear of possible cameras, it'll be served gratis back at the station in some secluded nook.

Officer owns gang clothing line (none / 0) (#6)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri May 15, 2009 at 11:24:37 AM EST

EL MONTE - The police officer who sources inside City Hall say kicked a gang member in the head after a long car chase Wednesday also owns a clothing company that glorifies gang and prison life. [...]
Fierro is listed as the owner of Torcido Clothing (www.torcidoclothing.com) of El Monte, according to records at El Monte City Hall. "Torcido" is slang for being imprisoned. [...]
In addition, court records show the officer, George Fierro, has filed a lawsuit against the El Monte Police Department alleging he has been passed over for promotions because he reported suspected criminal behavior by fellow officers.

The actions of an officer who kicked a man (none / 0) (#7)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri May 15, 2009 at 11:27:20 AM EST

The actions of an officer who kicked a man in the head following a high speed pursuit Wednesday were justified, according to the attorney representing the El Monte Police Officers Association.