LAPD accusing of using bean bags, Taser on wheelchair-bound man
LOS ANGELES -- Authorities say they are investigating an incident involving officers believed to have used bean-bag rounds and a Taser on a homeless man in a wheelchair, reports CBS Los Angeles.
Officers reportedly allege that Christopher Zareck, 43, tried to attack them last Friday night, but their actions are being criticized.
Cellphone video shows 10 LAPD officers surrounding Zareck, and shouts can be heard. Two bean bags are then heard being fired at the man before a third round is discharged, according to the footage.
Zareck, still in a wheelchair, appears to kick his legs and scream, at which point officers move in and subdue him with a Taser, reports the station.
The LAPD told CBS Los Angeles the man swung a pole at officers when they tried to take him into custody.
Zareck was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and was later booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
"We are shocked. We are disappointed," said Eric Ares of the Los Angeles Community Action Network, a Skid Row advocacy group that released the video.
The video is drawing criticism from the group, which says the officers escalated force against someone who didn't pose a serious threat.
The group says the extent of Zareck's injuries are unclear but included a head wound he may have sustained during an earlier incident with a security guard, who called police.
The LAPD says it is now investigating the incident and looking at footage taken from the officers' body cameras.
None of the officers involved has been placed on leave.
Police said they arrested Zareck earlier this year on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance. Police also said his record includes driving under the influence and hit-and-run.