Suspect Injured Attempting to Elude Police

Los Angeles: A Burglary suspect attempting to escape from police custody was injured during a struggle with them.

On April 3, 2009 at about 11:20 p.m., 26-year-old Daniel Rivera was burglarizing a parked car.  A citizen confronted Rivera and interrupted the crime.  The citizen was able to hold Rivera in a “bear hug” until police arrived.

When Officers got on scene the citizen released Rivera who immediately began trying to escape.  As Officers were trying to take Rivera into custody, Rivera struggled with the Officers in an attempt to get away, causing them to fall to the ground.  Officer Roy Guthrie, a twenty year, seven month, veteran of the Department, struck Rivera twice on the right side of his head with his fist, and Rivera was taken into custody without further incident.

Rivera was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a broken eye socket.  He was subsequently booked for Burglary from Motor Vehicle and is being held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Hospital Ward without bail.

Force Investigation Division is handling the Law Enforcement Related Injury investigation. Foothill Detective Division is handling the criminal prosecution of the burglary charge against Rivera.