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Monday, January 7, 2008

Police Brutality Case Update

posted by on January 7 at 16:19 PM

A 37-year-old man who was involved in a violent scuffle with police in the University District—which I first reported on last November—will be in court later this month. Mark Hays, who—according to witnesses—was brutally beaten by police, faces charges for allegedly assaulting Officer Thomas Hanley.

Hays and another man, Micheal Lujan, were allegedly jaywalking across 45th on University Way, when an undercover police SUV stopped in front of them. The officers claim they identified themselves and say Lujan and Hays responded with several anti-cop epithets.

Officers got out of their car to “contact” the men and grabbed Lujan. According to the police report, Hays tackled one of the officers and a fracas ensued. Witnesses claim that when officers took control of Hays, they repeatedly bashed his head into the sidewalk while he was handcuffed.

Hays’ trial is scheduled to begin January 22nd.

RSS icon Comments

1

Jonah,

Could you clarify for me whether or not any of the witnesses claimed to have seen Hays attempt to tackle one of the officers?

Last I read it, it appeared as though it was only the officers who claimed that Hays did anything and that none of the witnesses verified the officer's claims.

Thanks!

Posted by Packratt | January 7, 2008 4:32 PM
2

I used to get beat by cops in San Francisco all the time, there no one at all cares.

It's great that you guys bring this stuff to light

Posted by Andrew | January 7, 2008 6:49 PM
3

So, don't tackle cops, you won't get your head smashed into the pavement. Jesus Christ, why is this even newsworthy?

Posted by croydonfacelift | January 8, 2008 12:11 AM
4

Is there video?

Posted by Greg | January 8, 2008 7:42 AM
5

Croydonfacelift wrote:

don't tackle cops, you won't get your head smashed into the pavement

Do you mean, if two guys jump out of an unmarked SUV and come after you, don't fight back, because they might be police, and in that case, defending yourself might result in you having your head smashed into the pavement?

These officers were undercover. Why are we wasting police time on undercover anti-jaywalking operations? I hear all the time that our police force is understaffed. It sounds like they had some extra time on their hands that night.

Posted by Phil M | January 8, 2008 11:03 AM

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