Man allegedly beaten by LAPD officers; attorney speaks out

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An attorney is speaking out for a 22-year-old man who was allegedly beaten by LAPD officers in South Los Angeles.

The alleged incident happened Oct. 16 near Avalon Boulevard and 55th Street. It was also apparently caught on camera by a nearby business's security system. Clinton Alford was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and resisting arrest. His attorney, Caree Harper, says he is innocent on both counts.

Photos released by Harper show the cuts and scrapes on Alford's body. The photos show Taser marks on his back, and stitches he received in his ear after Harper says he was repeatedly kicked in the head.

"When you have a man face-down, rendered seized, you do not get to kick them repeatedly and you do not get to try and cover it up," Harper said.

Harper says so far only LAPD officials have seen the tape, but she says Alford's injuries speak volumes.

Harper says Alford was riding his bike when the plain clothes officers, who she says did not identify themselves as police, ordered him to stop. Harper says when they grabbed his bike, he took off running.

When the officers caught up with him, Harper says Alford gave up, laid down on the ground and put his hands behind his back.

That's when the beating allegedly began.

"He was face-down and very compliant, even though he did not know, still, who was beating him up and kicking him to the face," Harper said.

Chief Charlie Beck says he's extremely concerned about this particular use of force.

"This investigation is ongoing and there is still much that needs to be done to determine the facts of this matter, but let me be very clear, any officer that is found to abuse the public is not welcome in this department, and we will apply whatever legal or administrative means necessary to insure the community's trust without exception," Beck said in a statement.

The officers allegedly involved have been placed on administrative leave.

"We are encouraged by the fact that Chief Beck has placed these officers on administrative leave, be we would be more encouraged by the fact if they were merely terminated," Harper said.