A Glendale police officer was charged Monday with assault for allegedly kicking a juvenile suspect during a 2021 incident at the Glendale Galleria, prosecutors say.
Gonzalo Zendejas, 39, faces one felony count of assault by a public official for the incident that occurred on June 5, 2011, when he attempted arresting a juvenile shoplifting suspect at the popular shopping center in the 100 block of W. Broadway.
The struggle occurred when officers attempted to detain the suspect in a store and that they “used force to subdue the man and arrest him,” according to a statement from Glendale police after the case was first announced.
While the department conducted an internal investigation into the incident, Zendejas and three other officers involved were placed on administrative leave, the statement said. They also requested further assistance from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators to ensure a “thorough and transparent review of the incident, including any criminal actions.”
Zendejas remains on leave while the investigation continues, but the other three officers have returned to full duty, GPD said.
“While police officers face an extremely challenging and demanding job as they work to protect our communities, this responsibility does not excuse actions that endanger others or undermine public trust,” said L.A. District Attorney County, George Gascón, in a statement. “This incident is a serious violation of the duty to serve with integrity and respect.”
If Zendejas is found guilty, he faces up to three years in prison in LA County, prosecutors said.
