Glendale police officer Gonzalo Zendejas charged in violent 2021 arrest caught on camera

GLENDALE, Calif. (CNS) — A Glendale police officer was charged Monday with one count of assault for allegedly kicking a juvenile shoplifting suspect in the head during a fight nearly three years ago years at the Glendale Galleria, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reported.

Gonzalo Zendejas, 39, faces one count of assault by a public official involving the June 5, 2021, incident when police were attempting to arrest the minor, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

No arraignment date has yet been set for Zendejas.

In a statement released shortly after the case was announced, the Glendale Police Department said the case stemmed from a struggle with one of the shoplifting suspects who resisted when officers attempted to arrest him inside a store, and that “the police used force to subdue the man.” and I stopped it.

“Due to the details surrounding the incident, the Glendale Police Department immediately initiated an internal investigation. All officers involved in the use of force have been placed on administrative leave,” according to the police department’s statement.

“Simultaneously, the Glendale Police Department requested assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for a thorough and transparent review of the incident, including any criminal action potential.”

The department added that its “internal administrative investigation is still ongoing, as its outcome awaits the completion of the criminal investigation” and that it has provided the District Attorney’s Office with all reports, statements, audio and video recordings to “be fully transparent and contribute to a full and thorough investigation into the facts and evidence surrounding the incident.

Zendejas is still employed but has been on administrative leave since the incident pending the completion of the criminal investigation, according to Glendale police.

The department added that three other officers were placed on administrative leave following the incident, “however, over the past three years and during the investigation, the other three officers have been allowed to return to full duty.” functions”.

District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement: “Although police officers face an extremely difficult and demanding job when working to protect our communities, this responsibility does not excuse actions that endanger others or undermine public confidence. This incident constitutes a serious violation of their duty. serve with integrity and respect.

Zendejas faces up to three years in county jail if convicted of the charges, according to the district attorney’s office.