A recently released video has sparked fresh controversy surrounding the 2021 arrest of Joseph Iniguez, a top aide to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. The incident, which occurred during a traffic stop in Azusa, has raised questions about the actions of law enforcement officers and the subsequent handling of the case.
Iniguez and his then-fiance were apprehended on the night of December 11, 2021, with Iniguez being suspected of public intoxication and his partner of driving while intoxicated. However, both individuals were later released without charges being filed against them. In January 2022, Iniguez filed a lawsuit against the Azusa Police Department, alleging a violation of his civil rights during the arrest.
The video, captured by Iniguez himself and obtained by The Times through a public records request, showcases a heated exchange between Iniguez and the police officers involved. In the footage, Iniguez vehemently asserts that his then-fiance, who was handcuffed nearby, had done nothing wrong. He repeatedly expresses his belief that the officers had targeted the wrong person, stating, “This is not right.”
According to police reports released in 2022, the officers pulled over Iniguez’s fiance for an alleged illegal U-turn. The reports also noted that both the driver and passenger displayed visible signs of alcohol intoxication. The Azusa Police Department settled Iniguez’s federal lawsuit in July of that year, agreeing to pay him $10,000 to avoid a trial. The department justified the settlement as a cost-effective measure.
Both Iniguez and the police department claim that the video supports their respective interpretations of the events that transpired that night. Azusa Police Capt. Robert Landeros stated that an internal review concluded the officers had acted in accordance with the law and department policies. He further emphasized the department’s support for its employees and their decisions during the arrest.
In response, Glenn Jonas, Iniguez’s attorney, asserted that the video serves as evidence of Iniguez’s false arrest. Jonas described Iniguez as composed, clear-headed, and in control throughout the encounter. He commended Iniguez for donating the settlement money to a nonprofit organization, considering him a hero who used his false arrest to protect the citizens of Azusa.
1 Response
This is absolutely appalling! The fact that Joseph Iniguez, a top aide to the Los Angeles County District Attorney, is involved in such controversy is deeply disturbing. It is disheartening to see someone in a position of power and authority engaging in questionable behavior. This video release only adds fuel to the fire and raises serious concerns about the integrity of our justice system. How can we trust those who are supposed to uphold the law when they themselves are entangled in controversy? It is high time for