Burbank police arrest caught on bodycam video leads to claim of racially motivating beating

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- A man has filed a legal claim alleging that he was "viciously beaten" by Burbank police officers during an arrest that was recorded on body camera video.

"Now I have PTSD. I ain't never had it before," Aerin Robinson said Tuesday at a news conference, flanked by his two daughters and his attorney. "So we must have justice and accountability."

The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2025. According to Robinson, he repeatedly yelled "I can't breathe!" as officers attempted to subdue him on a sidewalk. In the body camera footage, police are heard saying they're going to use their Tasers.

"I didn't want to die," Robinson said. "Thank God, I mentioned the word 'George Floyd' and they lessened the beating."

The Burbank Police Department told ABC7 that Robinson has had multiple encounters with officers in the past. On Oct. 22, police were dispatched to the scene because Robinson was allegedly obstructing traffic near the busy intersection of Buena Vista and Olive Avenue.

"We recognize that incidents involving police use of force can generate public concern, particularly when limited portions of an incident are shared publicly," the department said in a statement. "We also recognize the importance of providing the community with accurate information while respecting the integrity of established review processes.

"Every use of force by members of the Burbank Police Department is subject to a thorough review under the Department's policies and applicable law," the statement said. "In this case, the incident was reviewed through those established processes and was also presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which independently evaluated the matter and filed criminal charges against Mr. Robinson related to the incident."