A man recorded being punched during his arrest pleaded not guilty Monday as police review the encounter.
A Santa Ana man whose recorded arrest prompted allegations of excessive force pleaded not guilty Monday, October 5, according to City News Service.
Florentino Lopez, 28, faces charges including felony resisting arrest and misdemeanor resisting a peace officer. His next reported court appearance is October 13 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Video of the October 1 encounter shows officers pulling Lopez to the ground and punching him. His attorney, John Kremer, contends the force was unjustified.
Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez said the department is reviewing the incident, including body-worn camera footage, reports and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua said she would continue monitoring the investigation.
The criminal charges against Lopez and the review of the officers’ conduct are separate matters. The reports reviewed did not identify a completed finding on whether the officers’ use of force violated department policy.
