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 .
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: Man Testifies Officer Kicked Him In Face During Hearing That Ended Christopher Dorner's LAPD Career
Videotape from the case that ended Christopher Dorner's career at the LAPD has surfaced.
In this video obtained by Fox 11, a man Christopher Gettler testifies that a female police officer kicked him once in the face outside of a DoubleTree Hotel in July 2007.
Dorner had been riding along with his training officer Sgt. Teresa Evans. They got a call that Gettler refused to leave and was sitting on a bench outside the hotel lobby. At the time, he had a "glazed look in his eyes," according to court documents obtained by CNN. When Evans and Dorner tried to take him into custody, he refused to comply and then took a swing at them. Evans pulled out her taser and warned the man to stop. She shocked him, and he submitted. This is what everyone agrees happened.
But Dorner made a complaint months later that Evans also kicked Gettler that night. The LAPD Board of Rights reviewed that case. Gettler's testimony was not considered, because he suffers from schizophrenia and dementia and the board ruled that it affected his ability to give accurate testimony.
MyFoxLA writes, "While court documents suggest that, Gettler was too inarticulate and un-credible this video allows you to judge for yourself."
The Board of Review viewed it as a "he said, she said" case, and it was Dorner's word against his training officers. The board viewed his claims with suspicion since he waited months and reported it the day after he received a poor work evaluation. The report cost Dorner his job.
The way that this shook out figures heavily in Dorner's lengthy "manifesto" explaining why he was going on a rampage targeting law enforcement:
"You fuckers knew Evans was guilty of kicking (excessive force) Gettler and you did nothing but get rid of what you saw as the problem, the whistleblower. Gettler himself stated on video tape ( provided for the BOR and in transcripts) he was kicked and even his father stated that his son said he was kicked by Evans when he was released from custody. The video was played for the entire BOR to hear."
The man asking Gettler the questions is Randy Quan, who was the appointed advocate and lawyer for Dorner. He is also now the father of murder victim Monica Quan, who was gunned down Sunday night along with her fiancé. Dorner is suspected in the murders.Related:
Ex-LAPD Cop Christopher Dorner Believed to Be on Killing Rampage Targeting Law Enforcement
Christopher Dorner's Manifesto, In Full [Content Graphic and Disturbing]
Who Is Christopher Dorner? What You Need To Know About The Ex-Cop On A Rampage
Christopher Dorner's Burned Truck Found Near Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Resort Shut Down
Manhunt For Ex-Cop Christopher Dorner Continues
Social Media Cheers For Anti-Hero Christopher Dorner
What Friends, Neighbors And Coaches Say About Christopher Dorner
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.
- 
                        Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship.
 - 
                        The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million.
 - 
                        Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it.
 - 
                        The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course.
 - 
                        The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits.
 - 
                        The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.