9 August 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

US investigates death of homeless man in police custody

originally by M&G News
4th August 2011

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation was investigating the death of a homeless man who succumbed to severe injures after being arrested in California, a news report said.

Six policemen from Fullerton, 50 kilometres south-east of Los Angeles, have been put on administrative leave in connection with the incident, broadcaster CNN reported late Wednesday. The arrest of Kelly Thomas, 37, on July 5, was captured on film by bystanders and the surveillance camera of a nearby bus stop.

A witness said she saw officers administer five electric shocks to him with a tazer. In the footage, which does not show the full incident, Thomas is seen apparently distressed and shouting for his father.

3 August 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Fatal Fullerton police beating of homeless man sparks outcry

originally by: Los Angeles Times
published: 2nd August 2011

An arrest that ended in the death of a mentally ill homeless man in Fullerton has many residents outraged and city officials looking for answers. At about 8:30 p.m. on the night of July 5, Fullerton police officers responded to reports that a man was trying to get into cars parked near a bus depot.

The suspect was described as a homeless man with long hair and no shirt carrying a backpack, police said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 37-year-old Kelly Thomas, a schizophrenic homeless man who had become a fixture in downtown Fullerton and surrounding cities.

What happened next has Thomas’ family, acquaintances and much of the city outraged. Police said Thomas tried to run after officers searched his backpack and found items that weren’t his.

19 July 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Australia: Police face fury after death of African man

originally by: The Age.com
17th July 2011

More than 250 people from the local African-Australian community gathered in Flemington yesterday to demand a full investigation into the death of Michael Atakelt, 22, found dead in the Maribyrnong River on July 7. Many present, representing local families and community groups, said the young man’s death was yet another tragedy for a community already grieving for their youth, who they claim are harassed by some Victoria Police officers.

The man’s father, Getachen Atakelt Seyoum, said Footscray police officers had told him his son had no injuries when found. But when he identified him, he had a damaged left eyeball, a smashed nose, a big scratch and blood on his face, and his body was covered in bruises, he said. Michael Atakelt had been held by Footscray police overnight and released on June 26, the day he went missing.