Miguel Contreras v. City of Long Beach, Sgt. David Faris, Ofcr Michael Hines

Vasquez approaches Sgt. Faris inquiring why he’s got a friend kneeling on the sidewalk with others. Faris does not answer, tells him to go home. Vasquez is at home, he told Faris. Faris became angry and attacked Vasquez, knocking him to the sidewalk and battering him with a baton. Contreras hears the screaming and walked up yelling at Faris to stop hitting his cousin when Hines came from behind and smashed Contreras with a baton, fracturing his elbow, knocked him down and admitted 17 more blows justified by the claim Contreras was non compliant with verbal orders. Hines left Contreras and stomped on the hand of Vasquez as Faris held him down. Both arrested, booked and prosecuted for allegedly delaying, obstructing, resisting lawful orders. Vasquez pleaded to drunk in public, Contreras’ criminal case was dismissed. Contreras has permanent disability to left arm/hand. Two surgeries, nerve damage, psych damages. Public TV journalist occupation impaired by left hand fingers not able to type.