Ventura Officer Accused of Beating Jaywalker

A Ventura man has filed a brutality complaint with the city’s Police Department, alleging he was beaten by an officer after being stopped for jaywalking.

Duane Stanford, 42, was walking across Telephone Road near Jasper Avenue about 8 p.m. May 5 when he was confronted by Officer Jeff Brooks, according to Earnest Bell, Stanford’s attorney.

Concerned because Brooks had a baton, Stanford attempted to flee but was chased down and beaten with the baton, Bell said. Stanford suffered a laceration on his left arm, bruises and a swollen left eye in the scuffle, Bell said.

Stanford was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and violating probation, police said.

Bell said his client’s actions did not warrant use of excessive force and that Brooks overreacted to what was essentially a minor offense. “Is this the kind of force that should be used for jaywalking?” he said.

Lt. Ken Corney, a police spokesman, said the department is investigating the incident. He said that Brooks, the son of Sheriff Bob Brooks, remains on the job.

Corney disputed Bell’s version of events. He said Brooks stopped Stanford after the officer saw Stanford bolt south across Telephone Road and nearly get hit by a car. When Stanford ran from the officer, Brooks chased him and tried to pull him down, Corney said. At that point, Brooks took his baton and struck Stanford twice in the lower legs to knock him off balance, Corney said.As Stanford reached into his pocket, Brooks drew his gun and Stanford ran again, Corney said. The officer tackled him and placed him under arrest, he said.