Santa Cruz Police investigating apparent use of excessive force by officers

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Santa Cruz Police confirm an investigation is underway looking into whether officers used excessive force while detaining a suspect this week.

Santa Cruz Police Chief Bernie Escalante said a man on an e-bike ran a stop sign and didn't yield to two pedestrians in a cross walk near Bay Street and West Cliff Drive.

Chief Escalante said it happened in front of an officer who would later detain the individual and attempt to identify him.

The suspect allegedly provided false information and Chief Escalante said the man was ultimately told they would be placed under arrest.

Police said the suspect was resistant to that. Chief Escalante described the suspect as "ultimately laying on their hands and arms and clasping their hands together underneath their body" as the form of resistance.

In total, the chief said eight officers were eventually able to turn the man over and place him under arrest.

"None of the officers are on any sort of paid or unpaid leave," said Chief Escalante. "Based on the initial assessment of the reports and statements and body-worn camera footage, there were no clear violations of policy or law."

Two of the responding officers were trainees accompanying seasoned officers and according to the chief, the suspect wasn't injured while they were being detained and arrested.

Despite initially saying there weren't clear violations of policy, Chief Escalante said there will be an independent investigation done.

"There's several layers to this process that will be objectively and thoroughly vetted, which includes our police independent auditor that will do an assessment of our work when we're all done," he said.

The suspect is facing resisting arrest and providing false information charges. They're also facing charges related to the initial stop sign violation.