Maxine Waters Demands Justice in CHP Videotaped Beating Case

Maxine Waters called on prosecutors to charge the CHP officer involved in the beating of Marlene Pinnock

Rep. Maxine Waters and the Black Women’s Forum on Friday demanded justice in the CHP beating of a homeless woman on a Southern California freeway.

Waters, D-Los Angeles, joined Marlene Pinnock, who was repeatedly punched by California Highway Patrol Officer Daniel Andrew in a July 1 incident caught on cellphone video by a passing motorist. CHP Commissioner Joseph A. Farrow vowed a swift investigation into the incident.

"We need Commissioner Ferrow to disclose a timeline for when we can expect a determination of Officer Andrews' guilt or innocence," Waters told the group of about 75 people. "Having seen the video, I certainly do not believe he is innocent."

Pinnock's attorney Caree Harper has been pushing Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey to press charges against Andrew. Harper said she was disappointed Lacey has not filed charges.

During Friday's meeting, when Harper asked Pinnock whether she wanted to talk, Pinnock, who has been treated for mental health issues, sang the first verse to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

CHP investigator Sean Taketa told the Associated Press that Andrew had just pulled Pinnock from oncoming traffic and she resisted by pushing him.

Harper told the AP that the video doesn't align with the investigator's account and shows her 51-year-old client is not resisting arrest before she's pinned and beaten by the officer.

Multiple drivers called 911 to report Pinnock walking barefoot along the side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway in South Los Angeles.

Andrew arrived and told Pinnock she could walk off or have a ride away from the freeway, according to a warrant.

She walked away without listening to his instructions and moved partially into traffic, so Andrew "grabbed her arm to prevent her from being struck by traffic. Ms. Pinnock resisted by pushing the officer," the documents say.

Andrew then straddled her on the ground as Pinnock resisted by "kicking her legs, grabbing the officer's uniform and twisting her body," the investigator wrote.

Andrew "struck her in the upper torso and head several times with a closed right fist," the records say.

The CHP said in its initial report that the officer arrested her out of fear for both of their safety.

Pinnock has filed suit in federal court, naming Farrow, Andrew and the investigator, Taketa. She alleges civil rights violations, excessive force, assault, battery and a violation of due-process rights.

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office declined to file charges Aug. 19 against Pinnock for resisting a peace officer due to a lack of sufficient evidence, spokesman Rob Wilcox said.

Taketa said Pinnock suffered no signs of physical injury and refused medical treatment.

She was ultimately placed on a psychiatric hold for two weeks, the warrant says. Harper said Pinnock had a bloody nose, black eyes, bruises and scratches on her back.

Harper didn't provide the AP with medical documentation because she said the records from Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where Pinnock was on psychiatric hold, weren't accurate or consistent in characterizing Pinnock's injuries.

One doctor examined her and found no signs of physical trauma but another found facial swelling and ordered ibuprofen and ice packs, Harper said.

The warrant said the Highway Patrol was conducting a criminal investigation to determine if Andrew used excessive force and if he needlessly committed assault in his role as an officer.

The agency forwarded its investigation to prosecutors for potentially serious charges last month.

Rep. Maxine Waters has called the incident unjustifiable police brutality and said Andrew should be fired.

Farrow has said he was shocked by the video and met with community leaders multiple times since the incident.

The investigator said he was seeking the medical records to determine Pinnock's injuries and her treatment for a potential felony filing.

In an interview with NBC4 last month, Pinnock said, "He was trying to kill me."

"He was trying to beat me to death. He wouldn’t stop."

Pinnock has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had been off her medication for two to three months before the altercation, the AP reported. Law enforcement sources told NBC4 that Pinnock had had numerous mental health holds prior to the July 1 incident.

Andrew, who is on paid administrative leave, joined the Highway Patrol as a cadet in April 2012 and became an officer six months later.

An attorney representing him did not immediately provide comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Contact Us