LANCASTER – Parking lot security footage is the only video that will be used in the criminal case against Lancaster resident Marco Chiclana for resisting arrest and assaulting an officer.
The scuffle between Chiclana and six Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies was caught on tape April 2, 2011 in front of the Antelope Valley Hospital. Chiclana, 34, has filed a civil lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department alleging he was badly beaten after he called deputies to the hospital to assist him with his father, who was disoriented after surgery and trying to leave the hospital against doctors’ wishes. Read more on the civil lawsuit here. Chiclana’s attorney in the civil case, Bradley Gage, says the video proves that deputies used excessive force.
However, law enforcement officials say Chiclana was the aggressor in the scuffle and have brought eight felony charges against Chiclana, including resisting arrest, battery on an officer and mayhem. Chiclana’s mother, Maria Chiclana, 63, is also being charged with one count of resisting arrest in connection with the incident.
Shortly after the video was released to the media, Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore reportedly told several media outlets that there was additional video showing the scenario from a different angle, which would give a different perspective on the incident.
In an Antelope Valley courtroom Tuesday, prosecutors denied having any other footage of the incident.
“The people have no other video,” Deputy District Attorney Adan Montalban said during the pretrial hearing.
Both mother and son are being tried together, and stood before Judge Carlos Chung for pretrial Tuesday. Marco Chiclana is being represented by public defender, K.G. McFarren, while Maria Chiclana is being represented by private attorney, Bradley Gage.
Montalban took issue with Maria Chiclana’s representation. He told the judge there was a possible conflict of interest because Gage was also representing the co-defendant, Marco Chiclana, in the civil lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department.
Maria Chiclana, who was being assisted by a Spanish interpreter, told the judge she understood the consequences of having a defense attorney who was also representing her co-defendant in a civil case. The criminal case was set for trial on March 1, 2012.
After Tuesday’s pretrial hearing, Gage said he joined the criminal case on Jan. 5 because he felt like he could be of assistance to Maria Chiclana.
“The case against them is one that screams of injustice,” Gage said.
ben says
I actually know Marcos Chiclana and he did not deserve any of this. Even if he did provoke the police officers does it still take 11 cars (count them) and that many police to stop one man when he was on the ground in the first minute and a half? Actually it was Marcos that called the police to help him with his father and this is what happens. I have lot of sheriff deputy friends and ill tell you this im afraid of what might happen if this “new breed” of police officer doesnt get a tighter leash. I know that our police deal with a lot of garbage and sometimes need to use violence to stop bad people but in a case such as this is it necessary to use violence to put down the man that called you for help? with great power comes great responsibility and some of these new officers need to be taught a lesson in responsibility!
Storyline says
I’ve seen some buttwuppins in my time but this one is a real good one. You can clearly see that the guy grabbed ahold of the deputy, however, I believe, and the video shows it, that the deputy initiated the brawl. If you watch the video closely, you can count the fists striking the guy as well as several kicks to the head and face by deputies. Was this justified in affecting an arrest, I dunno, I wasn’t there, but it leads me to believe that once the fight is on, deputies believe they can deliver as much force as they feel like until the adrenalin surge has diminished. I truly fear law enforcement in this valley, shame, isn’t it?
Arizonamatt1 says
This video shows some Police officers, not lending assistance, but attacking the citizen. We live in an era of “Authority Dominance”, where the paid Police act like a Rogue Military and Demand obedience “or else”. They are then defended by a Prosecutor who is not on the side of Justice, but an extension of the oppressors. A video that the Sheriff spokesman stated was available somehow “disappears”. Then this unchecked group of police, Prosecutors and local Politicians claim a mistake, or misstatement and the Judges will back them up…after all is said and done, they will shake each others hands and do some back-slapping and Laugh at those people who would ever question them. This is not a story from 1937 Soviet Union, This happens Here. Then the uneducated masses rush to defend the Police as if they are their Masters…or Gods. This is a shame, but that poor kid has little hope for justice and those who would dismiss my comments need only look closely at this situation.
Kris says
Thank God there was someone taking a video.
Marrie says
there BILL B goes again with his dumb remarks its funny how you can tell when they are from the Klan “ops did i say klan” I meant gang behind the badges! but he will never know what it feels like until it happens to BILL B mom sister, or daughter ,father, son .so stop putting your foot in your mouth!
BillB says
How do you know what has happened to me? or my family? you dont know squat so shut your mouth! my own kid was robbed at gunpoint by two thugs in the parking lot of a movie theater because he happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and the thugs wanted what he and his friend had. They took everything he had and everything his buddy had and left them there. so do me a favor and [removed] off with your sanctimonious bull****! As I said, [removed] off!
Marrie says
BILL B I am sorry about your son but you should open your eyes and see the facts and the evidence there is,also not everyone are thugs or gangster’s, cause when the truth comes out about these dirty [removed] cops you will then feel like the [removed]! but why am i wasting my time with you Mr.Chiclana is the only person to benefit cause i hear justice for him and his family cause no one deserves to get beat by anyone no matter what!
James says
It’s a shame your kid didn’t wind up with a bullet in his head. With your mentality I wouldn’t want him growing up and breeding with his sister like you did. Those cops are criminals and this video proves it, they went against the oath they took.. so much for protect and serve.
Francisco says
Who needs another video when you can clearly see the pigs beating the [removed] out of that man. let me beat the [removed] out of a cop off duty and lets see who get in trouble then.
BillB. says
yeah. your really tough behind your keyboard there FRANCIS! lol!!!!! I bet thats what the big boys in the pen call you isnt it?