UPDATE: Police use force on suspect who put people in danger
El Centro Police are speaking out following a video we showed you of local police arresting a suspect and using force after a dangerous pursuit.
The video has since gone viral with over 3 million views and counting grow. People have taken strong stances on social media with some supporting law enforcement but other saying the force was uncalled for.
After the video was posted it quickly went viral. Our news team took a look at how and caught up with The El Centro Police Department for an update on the incident.
“Ultimately the suspect driving the vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle, exited. Then there was a short foot pursuit. Officers gave chase and they reported that the suspect became physically combative, so they used force to take him into custody. The force consisted of baton strikes, some punches and then our k-9. We’re aware of the video that is circulating on social media, as with all useful force incidents we take this very seriously, we are going to do an investigation,” said Chief Eddie Silva Madueno of El Centro Police Department.
The suspect arrested in the incident is 23 year old Elizardo Saenz of El Centro. Police say Seanz drove the stolen vehicle through crowded parking lots at unsafe speeds. Drivers also had to pull off the road to avoid being struck.
After the video was posted Wednesday it was immediately shared by Facebook user Shaun King. His page describes him as a journalist most known for his involvement within the Black Lives Matter movement.
The video was also shared by Occupy Democrats, a political organization with a following of over 4 million users on Facebook.
A local community Facebook page posted they will be hosting an event called “Back the Blue” in support of law enforcement at 12:30 on Friday near the corner of 11th and Main St. in El Centro.”
The El Centro Police Chief also tells us that he has reached out to the Imperial County Sheriff and he has agreed to help him in an independent investigation which could take several weeks.
