OXNARD : Police Accused of Brutality in Claim

A 23-year-old Oxnard College student has filed a $12-million damage claim against the city of Oxnard, alleging that he was pistol-whipped and beaten with nightsticks by four police officers.

Gilbert Pedraza was beaten unconscious by Officer Nelson Latimer and three others in an unprovoked assault in the driveway of his home in the 1600 block of Coronado Place, said Pedraza’s attorney, Scott Schurmer of Ventura.

However, police records say Pedraza became violent when officers tried to take him into custody after responding to a call about a fight at his house in October.

Pedraza was arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest, but the charges were dropped the following week. The damage claim filed last week is the third against the Oxnard Police Department since the beating of Rodney G. King by Los Angeles police officers was recorded on videotape last month, attracting nationwide attention.

Oxnard Police Chief Robert Owens said the claims are a consequence of the King incident.

Legal claims are the necessary first step before a lawsuit can be filed against a government agency.

Pedraza’s is the second alleged police-brutality case involving Latimer, whose father is in charge of internal affairs for the Oxnard Police.

Last June, Latimer and two other officers answered complaints of a loud graduation party at the residence of Luis Flores Sr. in the 1300 block of South E Street. A fight ensued, eventually involving party-goers and about 20 officers.

Owens would not comment on the Pedraza case, but he defended Latimer. “He’s considered a nonviolent officer. He just happened to be on duty when the incidents happened,” Owens said.