Officer Involved Use of Force During a Traffic Stop in Foothill Area NR12406rl

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.