Officer Involved Use of Force During a Traffic Stop in Foothill Area

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a Use of Force incident that occurred on August 21, 2012, around 11:15 a.m.

Two LAPD officers from Foothill Area had conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Saluda Street for a cell phone violation.  They were subsequently involved in a Use of Force with the driver of the vehicle. 
 
Immediately after the Use of Force the involved officers reported it to a supervisor as required by Department policy and a Use of Force investigation was initiated.  The investigating supervisor canvassed the area and found a nearby business whose surveillance camera had captured the incident on videotape.

The driver involved was 34-year-old Michelle Jordan of Sunland.  During the stop Jordan got out of her car and during a confrontation with the officers was taken to the ground and handcuffed.  A short time later while still handcuffed another encounter occurred between Jordan and the officers and she was taken to the ground a second time.  She was arrested and booked for Penal Code Section 148, Interfering/Resisting Arrest, and later released on her own recognizance.
 
Based on the statement of the arrestee and the contents of the video a personnel complaint was initiated. Internal Affairs Group Investigators will be conducting a thorough investigation into the personnel complaint against the two officers.  Both officers are male Whites, one with 22 years of service the other a probationary officer with 10 months on the job.  They have been reassigned to non-field duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
 
"My initial review of the officers' statements and the recorded video cause me to have serious concerns about this Use of Force," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  "We will investigate this thoroughly and hold our officers accountable for their actions."

Anyone with information about this case is urged to call Foothill Area Watch Commander at 818-756-8861 or Internal Affairs Group at 213-485-1486. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts

Comments

[ron]

How is getting out of your car interfering ? If she is hand cuffed why take her out of the car and put her on the ground? this 22 year veteran is a disgrace to the L.A.P.D. way to go teach the new kid on the block how to abuse someone and then high five. Real nice. I guess they just wanted to beat someone. Good thing for the video. Lets see how the union thugs come to his defense.

[citizen]

What these two officers did gives every L.A.P.D. Officer a black eye.
Chief Beck what you did was outstanding and swift. The black eye is gone. Way to go chief. Now fire these other two. This probably not the first time the 22 old vet did this. The rookie just went along with the abuse. Get rid of him before it's too late and he does something else stupid. All of you can say what you want about o'shea but I guarantee this would not have happen if he was the officer involved.

[Chic]

As a retired employee from LAPD, I must COMMEND Chief Beck for his decision to demote Captain Joe Hiltner. Having the experience of working with and around Hiltner, it was always obvious how lacking in common sense and social skills this individual was while on duty. His history with the Department will prove this out. Thank you Chief Beck, you are a very wise man.

[N.R. DeLuca]

We are sure NOT setting a good example for our "Boots". Remember to show and demonstrate character and remember most importantly who we work for. Alway's Show Respect!

[James Doherty]

Man they could have killed her, face first driven into the pavement

[Justice]

I've read and heard several comments regarding this UOF, both from the media and people who think they know all the facts based on what they think they see from a grainy video. I can't speak on why the officer used the force that was captured because like most of us, we don't have access to the statements/arrest/FID/UOF/IA/ reports/investigation. But as for the comments of the inappropriateness of these officers giving each other a fist pump, all I have to say is it could easily have been the handing off keys belonging to her or the officers, therefore don't judge the entire actions of the officers until the final report is presented with the facts.