|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… |
The attorney for the man repeatedly punched by a Auburn Police officer is requesting that the officer be fired for his “horrific and inhumane” actions.
The City of Auburn’s Prosecutor’s Office announced Nov. 5 it has dismissed the charges against Mauro Alberto Felix Valles, the man involved in the case. The Reporter reached out to Seattle attorney Evan Oshan, who represents Felix Valles, to get his reaction to the dropped charges.
“The prosecutor did the right thing by dropping the charges however, justice has not been seen yet,” Oshan said in a Nov. 10 email. “The assault made on my client by Officer (Andrew) Bryant was horrific and inhumane… Last week I asked for Officer Bryant to resign. I’m asking (today) that he be fired and a full and complete criminal investigation occur. A police officer has a special responsibility to the public to protect and to serve. It’s an honor not a right!“
In response to Oshan’s call for the officer to be fired, the city of Auburn released the following statement Nov. 10 in response to an email from the Reporter.
“This is still under an active criminal investigation with the Renton Police Department,” Auburn city spokesperson Jonathan Glover said in an email. “Consistent with City policy, Auburn is conducting a separate, internal investigation, and the City will not be commenting on the details of that investigation until it is complete. Officer Bryant remains on administrative leave.”
The City of Auburn Prosecutor’s Office made the decision to dismiss the charges that were pending against 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.”
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.
