OXNARD : Police Brutality Cited in 11 Claims

Eight men who claimed they were beaten by Oxnard police during a private party in June each filed a $6-million claim for damages against the city Friday.

Three others who attended the party but said they were not injured also filed $6-million claims for emotional distress they say they suffered while watching the alleged brutality.

Assistant Police Chief William Cady declined Friday to comment on the claims but said an internal investigation into the incident is continuing.

Mayor Nao Takasugi said he has not seen the claims and would not comment on the incident.

The claims for injuries were filed by Louis Flores Jr., 24; Aurelio Guerrero, 19; Joe Urango, 21; David Meza, 29; Antonio Flores, 22; Alfredo Flores, 16; Alex Flores, 19, and Luciano Arrambide, 20.

The claims for emotional distress were filed by Louis Flores, 50, Dominga Flores, 47, and Carolyn Flores, 22.

All 11 claims said unprovoked assaults were carried out by police officers Nelson Latimer, Larry Eklund, Karl Johnson, Ron McCauley, James O’Brien, Scott Herbert, Clifford Waer, Steve Kawaguchi, Lawrence Robertson and Dennis McMaster.

The incident took place on the night of June 15. At least four officers answered complaints of a loud party in the 1300 block of South E Street at the home of Louis Flores Sr. The incident turned into a bloody confrontation involving at least a dozen guests and several officers, police and witnesses say.