The family filed a lawsuit against the four Stockton, California police officers who “viciously beat” the teen during an arrest in 2020.
What We Know:
- Devin Carter, 17, was arrested by police on December 30th, 2020, following a traffic stop. Officers claimed Carter was traveling “erratically” at speeds over 100mph and, upon stopping him, forcibly dragged Carter from his car. The teen suffered numerous scratches upon his body and bruises to both of his eyes. He was booked on charges of evading and resisting arrest.
- In bodycam footage released by John Burris, the family’s attorney, officers can be heard cursing at Carter while forcing him to the ground. Carter repeatedly states, “I’m not resisting” while screaming in pain from the officers’ actions, according to NBC.
- According to the lawsuit, Carter was driving to his father’s house, unaware that police were following him. Upon being removed from his car, Carter “curled up in a fetal position as multiple officers gathered around him and viciously beat him with their closed fist and feet.” Burris stated that Carter was afraid the officers would beat him to death.
- Burris formerly represented Rodney King, a Black man who was beaten by LA police in 1991. The city erupted into riots after the officers, seen on video attacking King, were acquitted. Burris stated he had not seen a case this violent since King, saying the officers involved in Carter’s arrest acted like a “pack of wolves without any provocation or cause.”
- The four officers involved in the arrest were placed on administrative leave, with two Michael Stiles and Omar Villapudua being fired. In a statement, Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones indicated the officers were “well outside the scope of both our policy and training” by using excessive force on Carter. Jones continued, saying the department will focus on “accountability and professionalism.”
The Carter family is seeking a dropping of all charges against Devin and a formal investigation into the officers involved.
