Advisory
CONTACT: Adán Ortega, Spokesperson
714 600-4683
Statement from Rialto Police Chief Mark Kling Regarding Incident with Minor on Feb 11th
Rialto, California, February 15, 2022 -- The department is aware of an incident involving a 16-year-old female that occurred on February 11, 2022, at about 4:08 pm, in the area of Linden Ave., and Pinedale Ave., in the City of Rialto.
The juvenile was stopped for riding an illegal street pocket bike and traveling at an unsafe speed on a residential street. During the investigation the juvenile refused to identify herself, including where she lived and provided false information about her age. Because officers could not prove her identity, or release the juvenile to her parents with a citation to appear in juvenile court, she was arrested. A brief snapshot video was recorded by a bystander and posted to social media platforms. The video clip has now been reported by several media outlets.
Chief Mark Kling said, “I have personally viewed officer body worn camera footage and although the video depicts the juvenile resisting officers, we are investigating the officer’s decision to trip the juvenile to the ground and later placing his hand on the juvenile’s throat during the arrest. After preliminary review of the incident, I have requested an independent investigation by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations to determine if the officer’s use of force options were lawful. I have also ordered an internal affairs investigation into the officer’s actions. Our investigation will determine if department policies, rules or procedures were violated. Per department directives, confirmed violations of policy will lead to disciplinary action.
The officer, whose identity is being withheld due to the ongoing investigations, has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is appropriate under these circumstances.
Chief Kling said the juvenile was released today from a detention center and reunited with her family. The Rialto Police Department is asking the community to be patient as the investigations progress. The department’s Internal Affairs Bureau has spoken to the juvenile’s family regarding the incident and heard their concerns.
(Over)
Chief Kling concluded with, “We apologize to the juvenile’s family regarding these unfortunate circumstances. At a time when our police department strives to build community relationships, we certainly fell short in this encounter. We look forward to building rapport with this family now and in the future.”
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Statement from Rialto Police Chief Mark Kling Regarding Incident with Minor on Feb 11th
PRESS RELEASE
February 15, 2022
CONTACT: Adán Ortega, Spokesperson
714 600-4683
Statement from Rialto Police Chief Mark Kling Regarding Incident with Minor on Feb 11th
Rialto, California, February 15, 2022 -- The department is aware of an incident involving a 16-year-old female that occurred on February 11, 2022, at about 4:08 pm, in the area of Linden Ave., and Pinedale Ave., in the City of Rialto.
The juvenile was stopped for riding an illegal street pocket bike and traveling at an unsafe speed on a residential street. During the investigation the juvenile refused to identify herself, including where she lived and provided false information about her age. Because officers could not prove her identity, or release the juvenile to her parents with a citation to appear in juvenile court, she was arrested. A brief snapshot video was recorded by a bystander and posted to social media platforms. The video clip has now been reported by several media outlets.
Chief Mark Kling said, “I have personally viewed officer body worn camera footage and although the video depicts the juvenile resisting officers, we are investigating the officer’s decision to trip the juvenile to the ground and later placing his hand on the juvenile’s throat during the arrest. After preliminary review of the incident, I have requested an independent investigation by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations to determine if the officer’s use of force options were lawful. I have also ordered an internal affairs investigation into the officer’s actions. Our investigation will determine if department policies, rules or procedures were violated. Per department directives, confirmed violations of policy will lead to disciplinary action.
The officer, whose identity is being withheld due to the ongoing investigations, has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is appropriate under these circumstances.
Chief Kling said the juvenile was released today from a detention center and reunited with her family. The Rialto Police Department is asking the community to be patient as the investigations progress. The department’s Internal Affairs Bureau has spoken to the juvenile’s family regarding the incident and heard their concerns.
(Over)
Chief Kling concluded with, “We apologize to the juvenile’s family regarding these unfortunate circumstances. At a time when our police department strives to build community relationships, we certainly fell short in this encounter. We look forward to building rapport with this family now and in the future.”
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Address/Location
Rialto Police Department
128 N Willow Ave
Rialto, CA 92376
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-820-2550
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