KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
The Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman is expected to perform an independent investigation of the actions of the Santa Clarita deputies during an assault response in Canyon Country, officials said.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger requested the inspector general to share the results of the independent investigation to her office, officials with the City of Santa Clarita and the community.
“This interaction between Sheriff’s deputies and the community is extremely troubling and disheartening – especially knowing that altercations such as this diminish trust and respect rather than reinforce it among those we are entrusted to serve,” Barger said in a statement.
The incident occurred Friday evening on Soledad Canyon Road near Whites Canyon Road when deputies responded to the report of an assault with a deadly weapon.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva made a video statement on Monday regarding the incident, adding he has “concerns regarding the tactics employed.”
“A call for service was received regarding a felony assault and the deputies detained those allegedly to be involved,” Villanueva said. “The matter is currently being investigated.”
Barger further urged the sheriff to “support transparency and accountability for the community with a thorough investigation of the facts surrounding this case.”
See Related: Conduct Of Santa Clarita Deputies Under Investigation After Drawing Guns At Teens
Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth said the City is “very concerned” about the incident, calling for one of the deputies involved to be removed from the field pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The City of Santa Clarita is aware of the incident which took place this past Friday involving Santa Clarita Sheriff’s deputies detaining two people at gunpoint, and we are very concerned,” said Smyth in a statement. “We have spoken to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and we are aware that a full investigation is underway regarding the level of response by the deputies. We have asked that the review be expedited and any necessary actions be taken.”
Tammi Collins, the mother of one of the teens detained, said her son was sitting at a bus stop in Santa Clarita with friends when a man who appeared to be homeless approached the teen.
“He was attacked by a gentleman, homeless guy, who approached them and first asked them if they had any crack then tried to take their things,” Collins said on social media.
After making contact the man allegedly became aggressive and attempted to stab the teen, the mother said.
The teen and his friends “only had their skateboards to cover them from the knife and whip so they held it out to keep a distance from this guy,” Collins said.
Several bystanders contacted law enforcement claiming the teens were attacking the man, prompting an assault with a deadly weapon call from law enforcement, according to the watch commander of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
Upon investigation, it was determined no crime had occurred, according to Sheriff’s officials.
“This is something my son and his friends will never forget,” Collins said. “I’m still wondering how will I ever help my son recover from this traumatic experience.”
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The officers were called to an assault with a deadly weapon call. Were they supposed to approach with a handful of flowers? They didn’t know what they were walking into. For all they knew these teens were armed with more than skateboards. GRANTED, the drawn assault rifle was a bit much. But come on, guys. Their job is a dangerous one and they need to be at the ready while they assess the situation.
As a man of color living in scv has always been an issue . This was overkill for a skateboard
the crime reports say otherwise…
The people who called the police and made false accusations could have gotten someone killed. I hope they are just stupid. I hate to think they turned the truth around to hurt the skaters on purpose.
Let the deputies stay at the station. De-fund law enforcement? Let the suspect and the victim fight and figure it out on their own. A show of force with pointed firearm reduces the chance of resisting arrest. Ask George Floyd how resisting arrest worked out for him, or the other guy to resist arrest for a DUI. Sounds like the deputy’s got it all sorted out without incident. Leave your feelings at home. Poor deputies dammed if the do and dammed if they don’t. Monday morning quarterbacks take a knee or ground the ball.
Exactly Jim! Police are being scrutinized either way. No win situation with people who are cop haters.
Responding to a assault in progress. They should respond with force and caution!! Monday morning quarterbacking as usual. ?
Looks like our LEO’s responded correctly. They were told the teens were attacking a man with a deadly weapon. Obviously they didn’t want to be taken out with a deadly weapon themselves. Why can’t people accept the fact that 99.999% of LEO’s are good, hard working citizens that are here to protect us.