Police investigate two of their own Police investigate two of their own (July 25, 2003)

African-American man injured during an arrest July 13

by Don Kazak

A 59-year-old African American man has filed a claim with the city alleging that two police officers beat him with "clubs and fists" unnecessarily July 13.

The two officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave until a criminal probe into the incident is concluded. "We take these things very seriously," Police Chief Lynne Johnson said, adding that investigators are also examining whether departmental polices were violated. The two arresting officers are Asian American and relatively new to the force. One has about one-and-a-half years experience, the other just more than a year, Johnson said. Johnson declined to give their names, pending the outcome of the department's investigations. Johnson will meet with a Santa Clara County district attorney today to discuss possible criminal charges against the two officers.

The man, Albert Hopkins of Palo Alto, is a retired college counselor who worked 20 years at DeAnza Community College in Cupertino, according to his attorney and brother, Joe C. Hopkins.

According to the claim filed against the city Tuesday, Hopkins was sitting in a parked car at El Camino Real and Oxford Avenue when two police cars approached. According to the claim, Hopkins started to get out of his car and was then ordered to stay inside it. "Then the two officers grabbed (Hopkins) and pulled him out of the car, beating him with clubs and fists, using excessive force and causing several physical and emotional injury," according to the claim.

Johnson said police approached Hopkins' vehicle because someone reported a suspicious car in the area. Hopkins was transported to Stanford Hospital for injuries, and was treated and released. Johnson said she was unsure if he was arrested, and if so, what charges were filed.

The claim asks for $200,000 for personal, physical and emotional injuries, and an unspecified amount for violation of his civil rights.

"I call it sitting while black," said Joe Hopkins, referring to the adage of "driving while black" when African American motorists are pulled over for traffic stops.

Mayor Dena Mossar said, "It's very sad, and the chief is doing what she needs to do."

Scott Wong, the president of the Palo Alto Peace Officers Association, said he could not comment on the investigation. Albert Hopkins was unavailable for comment as of press time. Don Kazak can be e-mailed at dkazak@paweekly.com