The City Council rejected without comment a claim for damages by a man who says a police officer zapped him with a Taser and another struck him with a baton or a flashlight in a parking lot behind the downtown Bank of America building.
Police Chief Greg Savelli said the use of force was reviewed, and found to be lawful and proper.
“The criminal conduct of Mr. Seidensticker is pending a criminal prosecution and we are preparing for a court trial,” Savelli said.
The claim alleges that Brian Seidensticker was assaulted, without warning and from behind, by the officers. Such claims are sometimes followed by lawsuits.
The claim alleges that Seidensticker was falsely accused of possession of an open container of alcohol in a public place, resisting arrest and littering. It alleges that Seidensticker suffered “massive physical and mental injuries” and seeks at least $10,000 in damages.
Seidensticker’s attorney, Tom Beck, said his client was on his way to get his bicycle when he ran past police who had responded to the apparent beating of another person, when Seidensticker was Tasered once in the back and once in the back of his head, causing him to fall to the ground, where he received the blow.
“My guy had nothing to do with” the beating, Beck said. He said Seindensticker sustained facial fractures. ER
Hermosa Beach thought they settled all the lawsuits made against the HBPD and now this comes up? You can bet there will be a lawsuit. Rumor down at Torrance Court is the criminal charge pending for Seindensticker is littering! What’s the names of the cops who did the tasering here? Probably the same guys who are whining about positions being cut at HBPD. Why don’t we close down the HBPD and use the volunteer Citizens in Policing to patrol our beach town. They’re free and won’t beat down people for sure!