A San Bernardino gas station attendant was shot and beaten by officers with batons after they arrested the wrong man.
Video footage from both a body camera and cellphone showed a San Bernardino police officer striking a gas station attendant 16 times with a baton.
According to his lawyer, vendor Billy Hill broke both legs in the violent incident that took place outside a Kwik Stop Food Market on June 6.
“We should expect more,” said attorney Dale Galipo CBS News. ‘This is not a man who had a weapon or was trying to hurt, threatened or assault anyone. The man worked there
Police were initially looking for a suspect in a motorcycle accident matching Hill’s description, but his attorney insisted his client was not involved.
The violent incident, which took place on June 6 outside a Kwik Stop Food Market, left vendor Billy Hill with two broken legs
Video footage from both a body camera and a cellphone captured a San Bernardino police officer striking a gas station attendant 16 times with a baton
The 911 caller described the suspect in the crash as a white male wearing a black hat, black shirt and possibly blue jeans.
However, Galipo continues to maintain that his client was wrongly identified and was not involved in the motorcycle accident.
Officers arriving on scene said Hill was speaking erratically and told police his motorcycle was locked inside his home.
Police, claiming Hill was uncooperative, attempted to handcuff the seller.
A third officer entered the fray and as the officers struggled with Hill, one of them pulled a Taser.
In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Hill kicked at the officer and attempted to grab the Taser.
When the Taser proved “ineffective,” the officer grabbed a baton and struck Hill several times in the legs while other officers restrained him.
‘He then decided to continue resisting arrest, which further escalated the use of force to the point where officers used batons.’
Bystanders reacted in shock, shouting references to the infamous 1991 beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police officers. Following the attack, Hill was arrested for resisting arrest.
“We should expect better,” attorney Dale Galipo told CBS News. “This is not a man who had a weapon or was trying to hurt, threatened or assault anyone. The man worked there
According to the department, Hill is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest and resisting arrest by use of force.
The San Bernardino Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident and acknowledges the public’s concerns.
Chief Constable 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 your patience as we conduct a thorough investigation,” he said. “Our department is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability.
Galipo plans to file a complaint against the city, alleging excessive force and possible failures of de-escalation.