With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LA Sheriff's deputy under investigation after arrest caught on video
A screen shot from the video that captured the sheriff's deputy stomping on a suspect's head.
(
via Telemundo and NBC LA
)
Listen
0:53
LA Sheriff's deputy under investigation after arrest caught on video
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has opened a criminal investigation into one of its own deputies after he was seen on video stomping a man with his foot.
“The investigation is being done by the Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau at the request of the unit commander,” said sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore, adding that such investigations are rare.
Whitmore would not name the deputy, but said he is a 24-year veteran assigned to the department’s transit bureau, which patrols MTA subways and buses. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. Friday in downtown Los Angeles. Whitmore said a man hailed deputies after a man allegedly sexually assaulted his wife. He said when deputies confronted suspect Alexis Husmario Torres, he became uncooperative and fought with them.
Video shot by Telemundo shows a deputy pushing his foot down on a subdued Torres. Whitmore said the department opened its criminal investigation at the request of the deputy’s supervisors, and before the video surfaced.
Sponsored message
“The deputy has been relieved of duty, with pay,” Whitmore said.
Torres, 31, is in jail after being arrested for sexual battery and assault on a peace officer. Whitmore said he is in the mental health unit of the jail.
Sheriff’s investigators are asking people who witnessed the incident to come forward with more information. Anonymous tips can be filed by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting "TIPLA" plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or going to the Crime Stoppers site.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
