Officer In Freeway Beating Video Could Face 'Serious Charges' As CHP Forwards Investigation To DA's Office

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The officer seen in a video punching a woman along the 10 Freeway in July could face "potentially serious charges" after the California Highway Patrol forwarded its investigation Wednesday to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.

Officer Daniel Andrew, who was seen hitting Marlene Pinnock on a cellphone video taken July 1, has had his peace officer duties revoked effective immediately and was moved from desk duty to administrative time off, officials said.

Although law enforcement agencies have primary responsibility to investigate allegations of misconduct, the DA's Office requires "all allegations of criminal misconduct by law enforcement personnel, where probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed, must be referred to that office for review and consideration of filing of criminal charges," according to the CHP.

A video, taken by a passerby, showed the officer punching Pinnock, a 51-year-old grandmother who was reportedly walking barefoot along the shoulder of the freeway near the La Brea Avenue.

CBS2's Juan Fernandez reported that it took investigators seven weeks to prepare their findings for presentation to District Attorney Jackie Lacey, although Pinnock's attorney, Caree Harper, questioned the length of time.

"I want some sort of action. I want some people put in jail right now," said Harper. "If it were you or I, we would have been put in jail immediately. There would have been no questions asked."

The DA's Office will review the investigation and decide on the filing of criminal charges against Andrew. The CHP will also complete its ongoing internal administrative investigation, which is a separate process from the criminal investigation.

"The CHP understands the public's interest in this case, and it is our desire to be as transparent as possible while adhering to the laws and due process that govern any investigation," the agency said in a statement. "We value the public's trust and appreciate the community's patience as we complete this important process."

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