Violent arrest by police in Southern California under investigation

Cellphone cameras captured police officers in the city of San Bernardino violently beating a man earlier this year, leaving him with serious injuries in an incident that authorities say is now under investigation.  

The beating unfolded on June 6 at around 8 p.m. near the Kwik Stop Dairy, located at 133 East 40^th Street, according to a press release from the attorneys representing the man arrested.  

An employee of Kwik Stop Dairy, Billy Hill was reportedly walking between his employer’s business and another business when he was approached by a San Bernardino Police Department officer who “cleared him and waved him to leave,” Hill’s attorneys said.  

Hill’s lawyers then allege that two other SBPD officers approached Hill and attempted to take him into custody.  

In footage of the incident captured by a bystander, Hill is seen and heard asking officers why they are arresting him, as they attempt to get his hands behind his back and push him toward the hood of a patrol vehicle.

“Mr. Hill was immediately grabbed and struck by two of the SBPD officers. Within seconds, a third SBPD officer ran to the scene and grabbed Mr. Hill,” the release stated. “Mr. Hill had a handcuff placed on his right hand while the third SBPD officer struggled with his left hand.” 

Moments later, the video shows one of the three officers pull out his stun gun and use it on Hill’s left leg as he tries to get that officer to stop using the stun gun with his free hand.  

That’s when the video shows the officer with the stun gun back off, pull out his baton and strike Hill in the lower legs more than a dozen times.  

“The SBPD officer used both hands and used his full force while striking Mr. Hill violently sixteen times in motions similar to swinging a baseball bat,” Hill’s lawyers said.  

Hill reportedly suffered broken bones in both legs.  

Lawyers for Hill say that it was later learned that officers were searching for a suspect involved in a hit-and-run that was unrelated to Hill.  

In body-worn camera footage of the incident released by SBPD, Hill is seen telling a person behind him to record audio and video of the arrest while he repeatedly questions the two officers.  

He also does not appear to comply when ordered to put his hands on his head as the officers moved in on him.  

In a statement released just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, San Bernardino Police Chief Darren L. Goodman said that the department is aware of the video showing officers using force during the arrest.  

“The content of this video has understandably raised concerns within our community,” the statement, posted to X, formerly Twitter, stated in part. “We recognize the public’s concern and interest in this matter and ask for patience as we conduct a meticulous investigation. It is essential that the process is allowed to proceed without bias, ensuring a fair and just outcome.”

Chief Goodman also encouraged anyone with information about the incident or anyone with additional footage to contact the police department.