No charges against Salinas Police officers in Velasco arrest
No charges will be filed against the Salinas Police officers involved in the violent arrest of a man on North Main last month, according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
The DA’s Office reviewed the arrest of Jose Velasco, 28, after Salinas Police invited the investigation into several officers’ use of force.
A viral video captured the encounter where officers were see using batons when Velasco resisted arrest.
Prosecutors said Velasco’s charges were on hold until the investigation into the officers’ conduct was complete.
Velasco is now being charged with felony assault likely to produce great bodily injury on his mother, Rita Ramirez, removing a Salinas Police officer’s taser while resisting arrest and misdemeanor assault on a firefighter treating him.
The DA’s Office said the case was reviewed by prosecutors and an independent consultation with two certified defensive tactics instructors. Through that review, prosecutors said there wasn’t any evidence to prove any officer committed a crime during Velasco’s arrest.
“We have determined that based on our investigation, which is complete at this point, there will be no criminal charges against the police officers,” Asst. District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni explained, “That they believed, reasonably believed, that the type of force required was necessary in these circumstances. That’s the law, it’s not us creating it. That’s the law.”
If convicted, Velasco could be sentenced to five years in state prison. Currently Velasco is in custody on a parole hold, and will be arraigned in Monterey County Superior Court on July 2.
