Man Arrested During Burglary Operation

Los Angeles:  Police arrested  Garfield Thompson, 38, on April 28, 2007, after he broke into a car during a burglary task force operation.

At about 8:45 PM, the Operations-West Bureau Bait/Robbery Apprehension Detail was working in the area of Speedway and Westminster due to a large number of auto thefts and Burglary from Motor Vehicles that had occurred in the area. They were utilizing a "bait car" when Thompson, entered the vehicle and removed a lap top computer. 

Officer  Mark Carbonell, Officer Rosheen Bourke, Officer Stella Miller, and Officer Victor Eguez, approached Thompson and attempted to arrest him for the Burglary from Motor Vehicle.  Thompson resisted and a use of force occurred. 

The officers were successful in taking the suspect into custody.  He had no obvious physical injuries and was transported to Pacific Station.  While at Pacific Station, the suspect became non-responsive and Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and transported him to a local hospital.  He was treated at the hospital and admitted for observation due to his "altered state of consciousness". 

The involved officers were treated for abrasions and contusions that were received during the use of force. 

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the incident.

Comments

[W. Anderson]

Does anyone remember the situation at the Staples Center when the Lakers won a few Years ago? Indecisive action when instructions are given by Law enforcement is usually interpreted as WEAKNESS. When persons in a large gathering begin throwing rocks and bottles at Police; the function should be immediately and strictly controlled. The rubber bullets are preferred over lethal ammunition. Rowdy behavior and abuse of Police and others should NEVER be tolerated. You can't expect Police personnel to use mild control techniques in this case. Something should be devised to protect News Reporters. It cannot be done when they mix in with the crowds. These demonstrations have so far been peaceful. But, it appears this is likely to be an Annual event. The participants are intent on closing down business and commerce where the events take place. This in itself is illegal. Who compensates those businesses? It is expected that EVERYONE follow the instructions of Police for safety. Understand,that large gatherings out of control can have very serious outcomes. Participants should NEVER TAKE CHILDREN to such events. The larger the crowd the danger increases. For example: ingress and egress of emergency vehicles
for life-safety situations.

[TVILL]

Mr. Anderson, this is still a free country and people should be able to take their children to a peaceful protest if they please. They should be able to experience the freedoms we have been given. I don't think that a police department should worry about who compensates a business, that is not what they get paid for. Thats just a lousy excuse for improper actions that where taken. TO PROTECT AND SERVE, does not mean to decide who should be present at these demonstrations. If someone throws rocks then you deal with "that" person. We do not punish everyone else. As a police officer you should be above standard. I mean you should show reasonable restrain, discipline, integrity, uphold the publics rights(protect). PROTECT PEOPLE FROM INJURY EVEN IF IT MEANS PROTECTING THEM FROM A FELLOW OFFICER WHO IS ACTING UNREASONABLY. You should not be afraid to stand up for what is right. Some officers watched as their fellow officers failed in their duties. You are responsible and just as guilty. As the men being disciplined. You also failed each other. You could have helped each other by saying, hey stop hitting that kid, hey theirs no need to shout. Some of you need more training on escalation. If you yell, some people will react negatively, relax, this not the USMC. These are civilians you are dealing with. Try being courteous respectful first!