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Torres says use of excessive force not tolerated
A video showing a police officer beating a suspect on the ground has prompted Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to assert that the use of excessive force by authorities is not tolerated
Torres said that he had already watched the video of the incident. “The recording is out there and I also saw it. Obviously, we don’t tolerate brutality in any level.”
The incident happened last Dec. 9 and was part of a 40-minute car chase that ended when the vehicle overturned in Koblerville. A resident caught the police officer beating the suspect on video and uploaded it on Facebook. The video was shared a number of times.
Torres said that government officials must observe the rule of law. “It is the police officers’ and other enforcement agencies’ duty to protect. As government officials, we must hold a high standard for protection and not for brutality.”
He added that he would let the authorities do their job of investigating the incident. “At the same time we must make sure the [Attorney General’s Office] and other agencies involved would be allowed to conduct their investigation before we make any comments. It’s not appropriate to jump to conclusions, saying who is right or wrong.”
Vincent San Nicolas Norita was the suspect being beaten up by a police officer. A police officer saw the 31-year-old ex-convict driving fast, forcing police to chase the suspect from Tanapag to Koblerville. Norita, in several instances, nearly hit other passing cars and pedestrian.
Norita was arrested on charges of theft of vehicle, causing accidents, reckless driving, eluding a police officer, and receiving stolen items. His passenger, Joe E. Ada, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
