Cheers and Jeers
The Stockton Police Department was right to terminate two officers involved in a “particularly egregious” beating of a teen, a move that came relatively swiftly compared to past use-of-force cases in the city, warranting a somewhat muted cheer as the department continues to build on transparency efforts.
Lincoln High School senior Devin Carter, 17, was injured Dec. 30 after a short vehicle pursuit when the officers stomped on his face and back and repeatedly said “stop resisting” while they beat him as he covered his head and curled into a fetal position, his father and attorney said at a news conference in January. The Police Department announced Tuesday that it had “separated” with Officers Michael Stiles and Omar Villapudua.