Suspect Resists Arrest

Los Angeles: On Saturday, February 13, 2010, at around 12:50 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of a “battery suspect” at a market located in the 6300 block of West 3rd Street.  When the officers arrived, they met with the market’s security guard who had already taken the suspect, identified as 55-year-old Thomas Stevens, into custody.  The security guard advised the police officers that he had placed Thomas under arrest for battery.   

Wilshire officers took custody of Stevens and walked him through the parking lot.  Stevens suddenly turned toward the officers and attempted to spit on them.  The officers attempted to hold on to Stevens during his sudden turn, but Stevens fell and struck his head on the ground.   Officers picked up Stevens from the ground, and he then attempted to kick the officers unsuccessfully.

Stevens was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and subsequently admitted for his injuries.  Stevens was placed under arrest for the initial battery on the security guard and an additional charge for the assault on a police officer.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division is investigating this incident.