Auburn prosecutors drop charges against man punched by officer

The City of Auburn’s Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the charges against the man involved in the case where a police officer repeatedly punched him prior to his arrest.

“The City of Auburn Prosecutor’s Office made the decision to dismiss the charges that were pending against Mauro Alberto Felix Valles, without prejudice,” according to a statement released Nov. 5. “This allows the Prosecutor to refile charges tailored to the facts and circumstances as they come to light during the investigation process.”

Officer Andrew Bryant has been placed on administrative leave following his physical altercation with a man in the street on Oct. 28, according to Mayor Nancy Backus.

According to the Auburn Police, the officer was dispatched to reports of a man running in and out of traffic, and trying to enter passing vehicles on Auburn Way North at around 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 28.

The man reportedly refused to comply with commands from Bryant, the first officer on the scene. Bryant deployed a Taser to gain compliance, but while the officer attempted to handcuff Felix Valles, a “physical altercation” ensued.

Following a viral video on social media sites of a portion of the incident, the Auburn Police Department released the body cam, dash cam and street footage capturing the entirety of the incident.

The videos show the officer, later identified as Bryant, get out of his vehicle and demand Felix Valles get on the ground or be tased. After failing to comply immediately, Bryant used his Taser on Felix Valles and then straddled the man on the ground. When Felix Valles struggled against the officer, Bryant can be seen striking the man approximately 25 times in the head area. Bryant then turned Felix Valles over on his stomach and restrained his arms behind his back until more officers arrived.

After Felix Valles was released from the hospital, officers booked him for investigation of non-felony possession of controlled substance, disorderly conduct, obstruction and third-degree attempted assault, according to police. Those charges have been dismissed.

The Renton Police Department will be investigating the incident to determine whether the officer may have violated any criminal laws. The city of Auburn will also review the incident for compliance with applicable policies and standards.

The Reporter has reached out to the attorney representing Felix Valles but has not yet heard back.