A gas station attendant in San Bernardino was tasered and beaten by baton-wielding police officers after they arrested the wrong man.
Body camera and cellphone video footage captured a San Bernardino police officer striking a gas station employee with a baton 16 times.
The violent incident, which occurred June 6 outside a Kwik Stop Food Market, left employee Billy Hill with two broken legs, according to his attorney.
“We have to hope for something better,” said attorney Dale Galipo. CBS News“This is not a guy who had a gun or was trying to hurt someone, threatening or attacking someone. The guy worked there.”
Police were initially searching for a suspect in a motorcycle crash matching Hill’s description, but his attorney insisted his client was not involved.
The violent incident, which occurred on June 6 outside a Kwik Stop Food Market, left employee Billy Hill with two broken legs.
Body camera and cellphone video footage captured a San Bernardino police officer striking a gas station employee with a baton 16 times.
The 911 caller described the hit-and-run suspect as a white male wearing a black hat, black shirt and possibly blue jeans.
However, Galipo maintains that his client was misidentified and was not involved in the motorcycle accident.
Officers who arrived at the scene said Hill was speaking erratically and told police his motorcycle was locked inside his home.
Police, who said Hill was uncooperative, attempted to handcuff the employee.
A third officer joined the fight, and as the officers struggled with Hill, one pulled out a Taser.
In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Hill kicked the officer and tried to grab the Taser.
When the Taser proved “ineffective,” the officer resorted to a baton and struck Hill’s legs several times while other officers restrained him.
“He then decided to continue resisting arrest, which escalated the use of force to the point where officers used the baton.”
Bystanders at the scene reacted with shock, shouting references to the infamous beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers in 1991. Following the assault, Hill was arrested for resisting arrest.
“We have to expect better,” attorney Dale Galipo told CBS News. “This is not a guy who had a gun or was trying to hurt someone, threatening or attacking someone. The guy worked there.”
The department said Hill is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest and resisting arrest with force.
The San Bernardino Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident and acknowledged public concern.
Chief Darren Goodman promised transparency and accountability in the process and is investigating the arrest.
“We recognize the public’s concern and interest in this matter and ask for patience as we conduct a thorough investigation,” he said. “Our department is committed to transparency and accountability.
Galipo plans to file a lawsuit against the city, alleging excessive use of force and possible failures in de-escalation.
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