Thread: Reporter sues LAPD over injuries suffered at immigration ral

It's been almost a year since that rally. Wonder why the delay? Or is it timing? We know May 1st more rallies are scheduled.
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Reporter sues LAPD over injuries suffered at immigration rally

Monday, April 14, 2008

(04-14) 17:14 PDT Los Angeles, CA (AP) --

A television reporter has sued the city and Police Department, claiming officers struck her with batons and knocked her to the ground when an immigration rally turned ugly and police began forcibly clearing protestors and journalists.

KTTV reporter Christina Gonzalez claimed police used excessive force during the May 1 MacArthur Park rally even though she was wearing press credentials and was accompanied by a camerawoman, according to the suit filed Friday in Superior Court.

Gonzalez suffered injuries to her body, "shock to her nervous system" and "severe emotional distress," the lawsuit said.

She also claims police targeted her because she is Hispanic and a member of the news media. Her lawsuit, which also alleges negligence, assault and battery, seeks punitive damages. Gonzalez's colleague, camerawoman Patti Ballaz, filed a similar lawsuit in September.

The city attorney's office has not seen the lawsuit and could not comment, spokesman Frank Mateljan said.

Police said the forceful sweep happened after "agitators" showered officers with rocks, chunks of concrete and bottles.

Police declared the rally an unlawful assembly, and dispersed demonstrators and journalists by using batons while firing dozens of bean bags, sponges and other "non-lethal" projectiles. Cameras recorded much of the melee, causing a public relations disaster for the LAPD and the city.

Police Chief William Bratton has apologized for the department's actions.

www.sfgate.com

she might be doing it now because the statue of limitations might be coming to a close. and we all know who the LA Mayor will side with.

i wonder if she can prove the shock and distress

The stupid reporter was in the line of fire. When you see the police with batton's and such get out of the way!! It's just more B.S. from the illegal supporters.

Think she would settle for a date with the mayor? he is partial to TV reporters

Originally Posted by jean

It's been almost a year since that rally. Wonder why the delay? Or is it timing? We know May 1st more rallies are scheduled.
~~

Reporter sues LAPD over injuries suffered at immigration rally

Monday, April 14, 2008

(04-14) 17:14 PDT Los Angeles, CA (AP) --

A television reporter has sued the city and Police Department, claiming officers struck her with batons and knocked her to the ground when an immigration rally turned ugly and police began forcibly clearing protestors and journalists.

KTTV reporter Christina Gonzalez claimed police used excessive force during the May 1 MacArthur Park rally even though she was wearing press credentials and was accompanied by a camerawoman, according to the suit filed Friday in Superior Court.

Gonzalez suffered injuries to her body, "shock to her nervous system" and "severe emotional distress," the lawsuit said.

She also claims police targeted her because she is Hispanic and a member of the news media. Her lawsuit, which also alleges negligence, assault and battery, seeks punitive damages. Gonzalez's colleague, camerawoman Patti Ballaz, filed a similar lawsuit in September.

The city attorney's office has not seen the lawsuit and could not comment, spokesman Frank Mateljan said.

Police said the forceful sweep happened after "agitators" showered officers with rocks, chunks of concrete and bottles.

Police declared the rally an unlawful assembly, and dispersed demonstrators and journalists by using batons while firing dozens of bean bags, sponges and other "non-lethal" projectiles. Cameras recorded much of the melee, causing a public relations disaster for the LAPD and the city.

Police Chief William Bratton has apologized for the department's actions.

www.sfgate.com

At an immigration rally with a majority of the marchers being hispanic, how can one racially profile a hispanic? Dumb statement by the twit.

Police declared it an "unlawful assembly"? WOW! What took them so long? They're going to let them do it AGAIN this year?


It turned ugly? Was there ANY surprise there?

LAPD & Villar, you reap what you sow!

Sounds like another bogus claim to me, from someone out to make a quick buck. I hope the city intends to fight this as opposed to rolling over and settling this for an "undisclosed" amount.