CHP officer who beat woman may face criminal charges

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Criminal charges may be brought against the California Highway Patrol officer who beat a woman on a freeway on-ramp in Los Angeles.

The California Highway Patrol forwarded Wednesday an investigation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office outlining "potentially serious charges" against Daniel Andrew, according to a news release. The district attorney is expected to review the investigation and decide whether or not to file charges.

On July 1, Andrew was caught on video pummeling Marlene Pinnock, 51, on the 10 Freeway near the La Brea off-ramp. The CHP previously said the officer was trying to stop Pinnock from hurting herself and others by walking into rush hour traffic.

Andrew has since been placed on paid administrative leave. An internal CHP investigation is also underway.

"I want some swift action. I want some people put in jail right now," Pinnock's attorney Caree Harper said.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, called the possible charges in the case a "breakthrough."

"The CHP's forthright response to the beating of Pinnock was a major breakthrough in that a law enforcement agency with due speed recommended that criminal charges be considered against the officer," Hutchinson said in a statement.

Andrew's attorney declined to comment.