Rough Arrest

June 29, 2004

Dear Editor;

I saw the rough arrest and subsequent beating of the car theft suspect on TV.

I was disturbed by the officers actions and also wondered why the first officer there chose to tackle the man.

The suspect had his hands up and was in the process of kneeling and laying down on the ground. Instead of staying back with his weapon drawn ready for any suspicious move he put himself and his weapon in the reach of the suspect by tackling him.

The 3rd officer would not have needed to kick and pummel the suspect, as the 2nd officer could have cuffed the suspect while the first officer covered from a safe distance.

The endzone highjinks seemed quite inappropriate.

Thank you,

Jeff Coleman
Los Angeles