Latest news with #policebrutality
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Aussie cops accused of 'George Floyd moment' after late night arrest on video leaves a man in a coma on life support
A father-of-two who was tackled to the ground and allegedly kneed in the neck by police remains in a critical condition with suspected brain damage. Police allegedly witnessed an altercation between Gaurav Kundi, 42, and his partner Amritpal Kaur in Adelaide 's eastern suburbs early Thursday. According to authorities, Mr Kundi allegedly 'violently resisted' arrest before he became unresponsive while on the ground. Footage filmed by his partner showed Mr Kundi screaming as several officers tried to detain him against a police car. 'I've done nothing wrong,' he shouted. His frantic partner added: 'Yeah, he hasn't done anything, what the hell!' The footage appeared to show police forcing Mr Kundi to the ground. 'Oh my God! They are doing unfair!' Ms Kaur screamed. Ms Kaur alleged an officer put a knee into his neck after she stopped filming due to being in a state of panic. Mr Kundi was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition, where he remains on life support. His partner claims the incident would have been avoided had police asked what had happened. 'They needed to ask first what we were doing,' Ms Kaur told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday night. '(The police) can't do this sh*t with someone's life.' Ms Kaur said that her partner spent the evening drinking before leaving their home. She followed him and offered assistance while trying to convince him to come home. Mr Kundi tried to push away her away, telling her he could walk himself. It's understood a passing patrol car mistook the incident for 'domestic violence'. 'I keep saying (to the police) he's not well, he's not well, please don't do this, just call the ambulance,' Ms Kaur said. She claimed she tried to warn police about Mr Kundi's pre-existing health conditions. 'His health is not very good and is heart is not working,' Ms Kaur told Nine News. Doctors can't guarantee that he will wake up from his coma 'His brain is damaged because the policeman hit very badly on the road. On the car, his head. And his neck nerve,' Ms Kaur said. 'Maybe he will wake up if brain works or maybe he will not.' 'I am just sitting over there and praying to God. Nothing else I can do. Nothing else I can do.' No charges have been laid. South Australian Police has launched an internal investigation into the incident as inquiries continue. Authorities will examine 'all evidence', including body-worn footage. SA Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia previously stated he was satisfied officers had acted appropriately. 'I can say that from that evidence I've looked at, from that body-worn video, but it is only one portion, I'm comfortable, but that is only one police officer,' he told reporters on Friday. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas also backed police.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Cop who stomped on man during South Auckland arrest resigns, avoids prosecution after police investigation
By Al Williams, Open Justice reporter of Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Police decided not to charge an officer who stomped on a man during an arrest, saying that despite having enough evidence to prosecute, it wasn't in the public interest to do so. The alleged assault happened during a family harm callout at a home in Ōtara, South Auckland in 2023. According to a summary from the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), two police officers were trying to handcuff the man but he resisted by keeping his arms at his sides. He was then tackled to the ground and punched by one of the officers. When the man tried to get to his feet, the same officer used his knee to strike the man in the head, before later stomping on his torso. "CCTV footage captured footage of the man's arrest and the force used against him," the IPCA said. The man's pregnant partner, who was watching on and threw pot plants at the officer to try to stop the assault, was also arrested. She claimed she was "man-handled" while handcuffed, causing her to fall belly-first down concrete steps, and that she was struck on the back of her neck. A complaint that police used excessive force when arresting the couple was later laid. The officer resigned during the investigation, which eventually found allegations excessive force was used on the woman were unsubstantiated. However, there was evidence regarding the alleged assault on her partner. "There was sufficient evidence to charge the officer with assaulting the man. However, police determined it would not be in the public interest to prosecute the officer." The IPCA, which oversaw a police investigation into the incident, said in its summary it agreed with the police findings and "overall accepts the outcome reached". Counties Manukau district commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said police assess each report pursuant to the Solicitor General's prosecution guidelines, which include a public interest test, among other criteria. "When there is sufficient evidence to prosecute, police will not hesitate to do so. However, only after determining that that is the most appropriate outcome for a specific situation." When NZME asked police what factors went into deciding what cases were in "the public interest" when it came to prosecuting an officer, police said there was no further comment and the factors were "available online". The two officers were called to the family harm incident on 7 November 2023. When they got there, they spoke to the couple before escorting the man outside the building and arresting him. The man initially complied with the officers' instructions while calling out to his partner, who was on the second-floor balcony of the building and watching events unfold. His partner tried to verbally interject as he was punched and kneed before throwing a clay plant pot, which hit the officer on the back. Both officers then tried to drag the man away from the building. He tried to hold on to a fence and was pulled away. Once pulled free, the officer who had punched and kneed the man then stomped on his torso. The man's partner then threw a plastic plant pot, which missed both police officers. After being handcuffed, the man was escorted to a nearby police car. As additional officers arrived, the officer who had used excessive force against the man re-entered the building and arrested the woman. She alleged the officer "man-handled" her, causing her to fall, handcuffed and belly-first, down concrete stairs. She said he also struck her on the back of the neck when escorting her to a police car. The couple were separately charged with assault. A resisting arrest charge against the man was later withdrawn. The IPCA accepted the police finding that there was evidence that the officer man-handled the woman, caused her to fall, or struck her on the back of the neck. In reviewing the matter, the Crown offered no evidence in respect of the woman's charge of assault with a weapon, which the IPCA said was subsequently dismissed by the court. Despite the officer's resignation, police concluded his employment process followed Public Service Commission guidelines. Gray said police acknowledged the authority's summary. "Police acknowledge the IPCA's summary report following a complaint that an officer used excessive force when arresting a man and his pregnant partner. "We note the authority is satisfied with the outcome of the investigation." - This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
CT Appellate Court upholds decision to reinstate sergeant fired in 2021 over alleged excessive force
A Torrington police sergeant fired in 2021 after an independent investigation found that he violated department policy when he allegedly used excessive force toward a handcuffed suspect is expected to return to the department soon after the Connecticut Supreme Court rejected an arbitration appeal. Gerald Peters was terminated from the Torrington Police Department after video showed that he pepper sprayed a suspect handcuffed in a wheelchair and took him to the ground at the police station on May 23, 2020, according to previous reports. The suspect, Christopher Spetland, was allegedly intoxicated and uncooperative with police so he was placed in a wheelchair so officers would not have to drag him, police said at the time. Spetland had been arrested and charged with third-degree assault and violating the governor's mandate on coronavirus precautions, according to the police report. He had allegedly assaulted a customer at a Valero gas station after the individual told him to keep his distance because Spetland was not wearing a mask, police said. Police claimed that he struggled with officers during the arrest and landed a kick on one officer. Once Spetland was brought to the department, Peters, the sergeant on duty, used pepper spray on him as his hands were handcuffed behind his back in a wheelchair, according to police. He then brought Spetland to the ground and allegedly told him 'We've had enough,' according to reports. 'Are ya done yet? Are ya done yet?' Peters then shouted. 'Are ya done with the kicking and the fighting with the officers? Are ya done yet? Are ya finished? You're gonna go in the cell, you're gonna relax and then you'll be treated like a gentleman, after you knock it off.' According to police, Spetland did not suffer any significant injuries, but the shift commander at the time found that Peters violated department policy and an internal investigation was launched. An independent investigation, conducted by the Southington-based Daigle Law Group, concluded that Peters violated the department policy on use of force. Torrington Police Chief William R. Baldwin, Jr. announced in May 2021 that Peters had been terminated from the department. Peters started his career in law enforcement in 1992, when he served as an officer in East Granby before coming to Torrington. According to his attorney, Hartford-based lawyer Timothy Brignole, Peters brought the matter before the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration. He was successful in overturning his termination and was reinstated with full back pay, benefits and reimbursed health benefit costs. Torrington city officials appealed the arbitration decision to the Superior Court in Torrington, where a judge set aside the arbitrator's decision and ordered that a new arbitration take place, Brignole said. The judge's action was appealed by Peters and brought before the state Appellate Court, which overturned the Superior Court decision and issued an opinion suggesting Peters' use of force was 'objectively reasonable.' Earlier this month, Torrington officials appealed the Appellate Court decision to the Connecticut Supreme Court, which was denied, according to Brignole. 'The matter is now set down for a hearing back in the Torrington Superior Court to confirm the arbitration decision and award damages due Sgt. Peters,' Brignole said in a statement. 'It is anticipated that Sgt. Peters will be returning to the Torrington Police Department as a full member of the police department in the very near future,' Brignole added. A lawsuit brought by Peters against the city remains pending in federal court. The civil lawsuit, which is seeking $100 million, makes allegations of wrongful termination, defamation and a violation of his civil rights. Baldwin did not immediately respond to an email on Friday seeking comment.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
CT Appellate Court upholds decision to reinstate sergeant fired in 2021 over alleged excessive force
A Torrington police sergeant fired in 2021 after an independent investigation found that he violated department policy when he allegedly used excessive force toward a handcuffed suspect is expected to return to the department soon after the Connecticut Supreme Court rejected an arbitration appeal. Gerald Peters was terminated from the Torrington Police Department after video showed that he pepper sprayed a suspect handcuffed in a wheelchair and took him to the ground at the police station on May 23, 2020, according to previous reports. The suspect, Christopher Spetland, was allegedly intoxicated and uncooperative with police so he was placed in a wheelchair so officers would not have to drag him, police said at the time. Spetland had been arrested and charged with third-degree assault and violating the governor's mandate on coronavirus precautions, according to the police report. He had allegedly assaulted a customer at a Valero gas station after the individual told him to keep his distance because Spetland was not wearing a mask, police said. Police claimed that he struggled with officers during the arrest and landed a kick on one officer. Once Spetland was brought to the department, Peters, the sergeant on duty, used pepper spray on him as his hands were handcuffed behind his back in a wheelchair, according to police. He then brought Spetland to the ground and allegedly told him 'We've had enough,' according to reports. 'Are ya done yet? Are ya done yet?' Peters then shouted. 'Are ya done with the kicking and the fighting with the officers? Are ya done yet? Are ya finished? You're gonna go in the cell, you're gonna relax and then you'll be treated like a gentleman, after you knock it off.' According to police, Spetland did not suffer any significant injuries, but the shift commander at the time found that Peters violated department policy and an internal investigation was launched. An independent investigation, conducted by the Southington-based Daigle Law Group, concluded that Peters violated the department policy on use of force. Torrington Police Chief William R. Baldwin, Jr. announced in May 2021 that Peters had been terminated from the department. Peters started his career in law enforcement in 1992, when he served as an officer in East Granby before coming to Torrington. According to his attorney, Hartford-based lawyer Timothy Brignole, Peters brought the matter before the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration. He was successful in overturning his termination and was reinstated with full back pay, benefits and reimbursed health benefit costs. Torrington city officials appealed the arbitration decision to the Superior Court in Torrington, where a judge set aside the arbitrator's decision and ordered that a new arbitration take place, Brignole said. The judge's action was appealed by Peters and brought before the state Appellate Court, which overturned the Superior Court decision and issued an opinion suggesting Peters' use of force was 'objectively reasonable.' Earlier this month, Torrington officials appealed the Appellate Court decision to the Connecticut Supreme Court, which was denied, according to Brignole. 'The matter is now set down for a hearing back in the Torrington Superior Court to confirm the arbitration decision and award damages due Sgt. Peters,' Brignole said in a statement. 'It is anticipated that Sgt. Peters will be returning to the Torrington Police Department as a full member of the police department in the very near future,' Brignole added. A lawsuit brought by Peters against the city remains pending in federal court. The civil lawsuit, which is seeking $100 million, makes allegations of wrongful termination, defamation and a violation of his civil rights. Baldwin did not immediately respond to an email on Friday seeking comment.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Elderly woman shoved, seriously injured by deputy outside Sacramento jail files civil rights lawsuit
SACRAMENTO -- A 71-year-old woman who was seriously injured after being shoved to the ground by a Sacramento sheriff's deputy has filed a civil lawsuit against the department, Sacramento County and multiple deputies involved. The incident was captured on body-worn video and jail surveillance camera footage in October 2024, when now-former deputy Matthew Gurich forced the woman through the front doors of the main jail in downtown Sacramento. The woman is seen making a hard fall onto the sidewalk and can be heard on video crying out in pain as multiple officers walk back inside the jail building. Gurich was fired from the department in March of this year after being placed on administrative leave. He was subsequently charged by the Sacramento County District Attorney's office with one felony count of unlawful assault by a public officer. "Well, it was hard to see how long she was left out there," said George Siamoutas, of the video. The woman's sons, George and John Siamoutas, spoke to CBS13 on her behalf Friday night. She was eventually taken to the hospital with a broken femur. "She's a 71-year-old woman, non-threatening really, and to be handled like that, I think some education is needed," said George. "They are the first responders but they have to realize, OK wait, this is a call for a doctor," added John. The lawsuit alleges the elderly woman, who suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, was in an active mental health episode at a Starbucks where she became disoriented, thinking she was shopping in a grocery store. The lawsuit claims the employees did not want her to be arrested, but called police, hoping for help and resources to be offered. The woman was arrested, taken to the Sacramento County jail and forcefully pushed out the front door upon her release. She spent several months in the hospital recovering after the incident, according to family. The lawsuit alleges the incident violated her civil and constitutional rights, leaving her with lifelong impacts. John says his mother also never got to say goodbye to her husband, her main caretaker, who died while she was hospitalized. "She wasn't able to go visit him during his last days because she got taken away, injured and into a hospital. She couldn't be by his side for his last days," said John. The family wants accountability, awareness and more mental health training across the entire sheriff's department. "Training for mental health situations, number one. Maybe you can prevent something like this happening in the future," said George. On Monday, June 2, the family and jail reform leaders in the community are gathering for a press conference near the main jail downtown to call attention to the lawsuit and what they want to see changed. CBS13 reached out to the Sacramento Sheriff's Office for a response to this story, a spokesperson declined to comment on pending litigation.
