- Obi Wan Stevobi
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- Exalted Mythic Member
According to the news, a down syndrome man was pepper sprayed and beaten by a Sheriff in California.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening in Vista, where sheriff's deputies were looking into a domestic violence incident, Caldwell said.
One of them saw Martinez cover his head with his hood and, believing he might be involved in the incident, tried to talk with him, said the spokeswoman. The 21-year-old -- who weighs 158 pounds and stands 4 feet, 11 inches tall, according to a Sheriff's Department document -- didn't respond to the commands, she added.
Obviously, he was involved, he had a hoodie. Seeing that the suspect was wearing a hood, the heroic officer decided compliance must be gained. With no regard for his own safety, the officer risked his life to take down the 4'11", unarmed handicap man.
The deputy didn't back off. Instead, while trying "to gain compliance and prevent a possible escape," he used pepper spray on Antonio Martinez, said Caldwell from the Sheriff's Department.
The deputy began using a baton as an agitated crowd approached, the spokeswoman added. The deputy hit Antonio Martinez with it, forcing him to the ground, then levied "a couple more strikes to get his hands free," Sheriff's Department Capt. Joe Rodi told CNN affiliate KGTV.
Now, the family is demanding the brave officer be fired. His sister recalls the story as a one-sided beating, but never mentions the fact that her down syndrome brother was wearing a hood.
Jessica Martinez said she joined the crowd after a nearby business owner had run into her bakery, telling them police were beating up her brother.
"I heard my brother screaming mine and my sister's name," she said. "He was screaming for help.
"My brother wasn't fighting. He was crying and screaming. He was scared."