Charges dropped against SJSU student in videotaped police beating incident

[alp227]

After months of investigation, Santa Clara County prosecutors dropped all criminal charges against a 21-year-old Vietnamese college student whose violent and secretly-videotaped arrest last year heightened tension between San Jose police and minority communities.

But the other half of the Phuong Ho arrest controversy remains unresolved. Will four officers face criminal charges for striking with batons and Tasering the 21-year-old San Jose State student who was involved in a dinnertime altercation with a roommate? Prosecutors will not say. But a decision is expected soon, perhaps in days.

Ho had been charged with resisting arrest and brandishing a deadly weapon, both misdemeanors. But after a Mercury News story revealed the existence of a videotape of the incident, prosecutors reassessed the case.

"After a thorough and careful evaluation of the evidence, we have concluded that it is unlikely that twelve jurors would convict Mr. Ho of these offenses," the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office said in a press release. "The decision to dismiss the prosecution against Mr. Ho stands independently of (the investigation into the officers.)"

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14456013

Good. Now it's time for the cops to get investigated and held accountable for their actions. Sadly, the Mercury News comment boards are still flooded with police apologists who side with 'em no matter what.

[KamaAina]

1. Ah, I see Dolores Carr actually wants to get re-elected DA

:eyes:

In general, I am appalled at how much of a police state it is down here. Not at all like SF or Berkeley. Even the VTA fare cops (seriesly) have been flooding the trains all week. One guy had a badge from some private rent-a-cop outfit -- and a baton!! :scared: