3 San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies charged in horseback chase beating

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- Three San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies have been charged for the horseback chase beating in April.

The deputies -- Nicholas Downey of Victor Valley, Michael Phelps of Twin Peaks and Charles Foster of Hesperia -- were each charged with one count of assault by a public officer.

"The vast majority of our law enforcement officers do an excellent job of protecting the public," said San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos in a statement. "However, in those rare instances when an officer crosses the line and uses excessive force, the officer must be held accountable. Today, we have taken the first steps to hold these officers accountable."

On April 9, deputies were attempting to serve a search warrant in connection with an identity theft investigation in an unincorporated area of Apple Valley when 30-year-old Francis Jared Pusok fled the location. The ensuing chase went through Apple Valley and Hesperia until Pusok allegedly abandoned the vehicle, then stole a horse.

When deputies finally caught up to him, they were caught on video repeatedly kicking and punching him -- even though the suspect was on the ground with his hands behind his back and legs spread.

Pusok says he's now fearful of law enforcement.

"I'm just grateful to be alive and get to spend my days with my family," Pusok said.

His attorney, Jim Terrell, says he's grateful Ramos took action against the deputies, but says they should've faced more serious charges.

"These officers would've never been charged if it wasn't for the fact they were caught on video doing something that we believe had been going on in San Bernardino then and since then with great frequency," Terrell said.

If convicted as charged, each deputy faces up to three years in prison. The deputies are expected to appear in court for arraignment on Sept. 8 at the San Bernardino Justice Center.