Cops Punch and Kick Suspect Laying on the Ground
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Stumble ThisFrom LiveLeak:
COLUMBIA, Md. - At least 2 law enforcement officers kicked and punched a suspect who was already laying on the ground after a high-speed chase Thursday, something the Howard County police chief called "not acceptable."
"I've seen the video and I have some concerns," said Chief Bill McMahon. "Some of what I saw on that video is clearly not what I expect from my officers. It is not accept More..able."
McMahon says an internal investigation into the behavior of some of the officers is already underway.
"I have directed our internal affairs division to conduct an investigation into some of the actions that took place during the arrest," Chief McMahon said in a statement.
"Even though this suspect put innocent lives at risk on the road, I always want my officers to meet the highest possible standards."
The chase began around 12:55 p.m. at Dorsey Run Road and Patuxent Range Road in Jessup, Md., when officers attempted to stop Stephen Zombro, 40, police said.
An armada of officers pursued the suspect. Investigators say it remains unclear where the pursuit began.
During the chase, officers threw Stop Sticks at the vehicle -- devices that disable tires. Police credit them for blowing out three of the pickup's tires.
After the suspect vehicle pulled a U-turn through the median on Route 32, officers rammed his vehicle twice, spinning it out of control. It came to a stop in the eastbound lanes of Route 32 between Cedar Lane and Route 29.
When the suspect vehicle stopped, a man exited the driver's side and laid on the ground. Officers swarmed him and subdued him.
Zombro was transported to Howard County General Hospital, police said. A preliminary evaluation has revealed no serious injuries, police said.
Zombro faces charges of fleeing and eluding police, assaulting law enforcement officers and reckless endangerment.
Investigators say they are also charging him with possession of heroin and crack cocaine.
COLUMBIA, Md. - At least 2 law enforcement officers kicked and punched a suspect who was already laying on the ground after a high-speed chase Thursday, something the Howard County police chief called "not acceptable."
"I've seen the video and I have some concerns," said Chief Bill McMahon. "Some of what I saw on that video is clearly not what I expect from my officers. It is not accept More..able."
McMahon says an internal investigation into the behavior of some of the officers is already underway.
"I have directed our internal affairs division to conduct an investigation into some of the actions that took place during the arrest," Chief McMahon said in a statement.
"Even though this suspect put innocent lives at risk on the road, I always want my officers to meet the highest possible standards."
The chase began around 12:55 p.m. at Dorsey Run Road and Patuxent Range Road in Jessup, Md., when officers attempted to stop Stephen Zombro, 40, police said.
An armada of officers pursued the suspect. Investigators say it remains unclear where the pursuit began.
During the chase, officers threw Stop Sticks at the vehicle -- devices that disable tires. Police credit them for blowing out three of the pickup's tires.
After the suspect vehicle pulled a U-turn through the median on Route 32, officers rammed his vehicle twice, spinning it out of control. It came to a stop in the eastbound lanes of Route 32 between Cedar Lane and Route 29.
When the suspect vehicle stopped, a man exited the driver's side and laid on the ground. Officers swarmed him and subdued him.
Zombro was transported to Howard County General Hospital, police said. A preliminary evaluation has revealed no serious injuries, police said.
Zombro faces charges of fleeing and eluding police, assaulting law enforcement officers and reckless endangerment.
Investigators say they are also charging him with possession of heroin and crack cocaine.
Just walk right up grab his punching arm and put the cuffs on him. Dump his ass in the back of my cruiser and tell him he is under arrest for aggravated assault, conduct unbecoming, and violating his oath.
But that's why I am not an officer, because the officers that are righteous don't last long. We hired em, paid them, and now they beat the shit out of us. Only fitting.
I think it's really important that the Police figure out a way to police their own.
There is a degree of chivalry that must be maintained.
That's not the law. You don't estimate the danger factor and apply immediate punishment. Besides, these gutless troglodytes aren't the ones to make those determinations in any case.
Regardless of that, my natural reaction to this video is gladness that he was punished (assuming any wounds he sustained were mainly superficial) for putting the lives of many innocent bystanders at risk.
It's caveman thinking, but I can't help it.
And ftr, I'm not agreeing with the Orly? kid up there...but I spoke at length with a California policeman who unequivocally stated that Rodney King was the most important issue (of 90's) and changed law enforcement forever. As a policeman you lost many rights you once had to control berserk criminals.
Society risks collapse by endlessly coddling this scum and heeding the words of egalitarian fools over common sense.
I know it's wrong. I know it's brutal. I know officers who are unable to contain their rage may be likely to hurt "innocent" people.
Regardless of that, my natural reaction to this video is gladness that he was punished (assuming any wounds he sustained were mainly superficial) for putting the lives of many innocent bystanders at risk.
It's caveman thinking, but I can't help it.
the rhetorical question is: do you want this guy to change his ways or do you want revenge?
Edit: although i understand the need to beat the shit out of the motherfuckers.
There was also a followup article in the Baltimore Sun today concerning Zombro's incident. The officer has been put on administrative leave as part of an investigation. Zombro "was wanted on an open warrant for theft. He had been under surveillance and fled from police when they tried to stop him in Jessup on Thursday afternoon, police said." The article details the charges against Zombro from this incident:
- six counts of second-degree assault
- one count of assaulting a law enforcement officer
- one count of reckless endangerment
- four drug possession charges
- four counts of malicious destruction of property
I've mapped out where Zombro's incident started and stopped here. I don't know Zombro's exact route (and I'm pretty sure he didn't take the quickest way to get here as suggested by GoogleFor the curious, I grew up in Columbia and live a county away now. I drive the road where this happened to get to my parents.
I'm sorry he didn't get beaten more, he certainly deserved it.
Society risks collapse by endlessly coddling this scum and heeding the words of egalitarian fools over common sense.
Yes, restraint and civility are so over-rated.
Don't you ever get tired of being a reactionary alarmist buffoon?
But no, seriously, a lot of cops are out of control in this country, but because they're heroes, they get free passes most of the time... unless they get caught on camera.