On February 13, at 12:50pm, Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area patrol officers responded to a call of a battery suspect at a market located in the 6300 block of West 3rd Street.  When the officers arrived, they met with the market’s security guard who had already taken the suspect, identified as 55-year-old Thomas Stevens, into custody.  The security guard advised the police officers that he had placed Thomas under arrest for battery.

As Wilshire officers walked Stevens through the parking lot,  he became combative and attempted to spit on them.  When the officers attempted to  hold him, Stevens fell and struck his head on the ground.   Officers picked up Stevens from the ground, and he then attempted to kick the officers.

Stevens was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and subsequently admitted for his injuries.  Stevens was placed under arrest for the initial battery on the security guard and an additional charge for the assault on a police officer.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division is investigating this incident.