Charges Filed for Officer Involved in Use of Force NR15137ma

Los Angeles: Earlier today the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against a LAPD officer for his actions during a use of physical force on a suspect after a brief foot pursuit on October 16, 2014.

Officer Richard Garcia was charged with one count of assault under color of authority based on the October 16th incident. Soon after the incident, the LAPD identified concerns with Garcia’s actions and quickly began internal affairs and use of force investigations. In addition, the LAPD’s Office of the Inspector General was notified as was the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office regarding possible criminal conduct. Garcia was immediately pulled from field duties and assigned home pending the criminal and administrative investigations into his conduct.

Based on the LAPD’s criminal investigation, the District Attorney’s Office filed charges in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier today. “As I stated immediately after this incident, any officer that abuses the public’s trust is not welcome in the LAPD,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. “The LAPD will take swift action to investigate and refer appropriate cases for prosecution to the LA District Attorney’s Office whenever an officer is suspected of committing a criminal act.”

Garcia surrendered to authorities today. The Internal Affairs investigation into the actions of Garcia is still pending.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact LAPD’s Force Investigation Division at 213-202-5677. 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.