OXNARD : Brothers Say Police Used Excessive Force

Three Oxnard brothers complained to the City Council on Tuesday, alleging that about 20 Oxnard police officers used excessive force in breaking up a private party late Friday night.

Anthony Flores, 22, Alex Flores, 19, and Luis Flores, 24, told the council that the officers beat them with clubs and kicked them. All three had large welts on their heads and scrapes on their faces. Alex Flores, who wore a cast on one leg, said officers handcuffed him and then ordered a police dog to bite his leg.

Mayor Nao Takasugi suggested that the group file a complaint with the Police Department. The young men said they intend to file a lawsuit against the city.

According to police, the incident began after Anthony Flores assaulted a police officer responding to a call about a loud party at the Flores house.

Lt. Stan Meyers of the Oxnard Police Department said two calls came in Friday night and Saturday morning about a loud party at 1304 South E St.

Officer Nelson Latimer of the Oxnard Police Department responded to the calls and was greeted at the door by the elder Luis Flores, whose sons confronted and assaulted Latimer, Meyers said.

As additional police officers arrived, a fight broke out in the back yard between the guests, Meyers said. Officers spotted the fight, entered the yard to break it up and were assaulted, he said.

It took 18 officers more than an hour to end the disturbance, Meyers said.

Anthony Flores, Luis Flores, 24, Alex Flores and Aurelio Guerrero, 19, were arrested during the incident.

Latimer and Alex and Anthony Flores were taken to St. John’s Regional Medical Center , Meyers said.