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 .
New video shows Anaheim police using headlock, Taser on suspect who later died
File: Taser International's X2 two-shot Taser for law enforcement is displayed at the National Shooting Sports Foundation's 34th annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in January 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
)
Orange County prosecutors released video Wednesday showing a fatal encounter between Anaheim police and a suspect. The videos had previously been sealed by a judge.
Taken from bodyworn and surveillance cameras, the video shows officers Woojin Jun and Daniel Wolfe trying to arrest Fermin Valenzuela, 32, on July 2, 2016. It was in response to a 911 call saying that the suspect had followed a woman home.
Watch the video here:
Support for LAist comes from
"Just stop OK — put your hands behind your back. Put your hands behind your back. Stop. Stop," police are heard saying in the video, before trying to restrain him repeatedly.
They observed Valenzuela to be high on meth. The officers used a Taser on him more than once as he tried to get away.
After an officer used an approved headlock technique, Valenzuela became unresponsive.
"He's purple right now so I want to make sure he's breathing," an officer is heard saying in the video. "Let's get him on his side. 'Kay, let's start, let's look at CPR."
Officers are seen performing CPR.
Valenzuela was taken to a hospital but never regained consciousness. He was declared clinically brain dead and was taken off of life support, dying on July 10, 2016.
An autopsy said the cause of death was "complications of asphyxia during a struggle with law enforcement, while under the influence of methamphetamine."
Support for LAist comes from
The pathologist categorized it as a homicide, but the DA's Office found the officers did not use excessive force and did not act with malice. The investigation is closed.
Read the full report on the incident from the Orange County District Attorney's Office below:
This story has been updated.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist