A Glendale police officer who was caught on video kicking a juvenile within the face whereas he was pinned down contained in the Galleria mall has been charged with assault, prosecutors stated Monday.
Gonzalo Zendejas, 39, was charged with one rely of assault underneath coloration of authority for the incident, which happened in June 2021 as officers responded to a shoplifting name contained in the Dick’s Sporting Items retailer.
Video of the arrest, first printed by CBS, reveals a number of officers wrestling with and placing the teenager whereas he’s being held down. Zendejas, who will be seen kicking the inclined juvenile within the face, was the one officer charged. The Los Angeles County district legal professional’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark concerning the different officers concerned within the arrest or the standing of the teenager who was struck.
“While police officers face an extraordinarily challenging and demanding job while working to protect our communities, this responsibility does not excuse actions that endanger others or undermine public trust,” Dist. Atty. George Gascón stated in an announcement. “This incident is a serious violation of the duty to serve with integrity and respect.”
Sgt. Vahe Abramyan, a Glendale police spokesman, stated Zendejas has remained on administrative depart because the incident. The three different officers who took half within the arrest have since returned to work, Abramyan stated.
Zendejas has but to look in court docket however faces as much as three years in jail if convicted as charged. It was not instantly clear who his legal professional was.
