Man Who Says He Was Kicked In Head By LAPD Officer During Arrest Appears In Court

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  The man who was allegedly kicked in the head when he was arrested by a LAPD officer made an appearance in court Wednesday.

Clinton Alford's attorney said Wednesday that the arrest and kick were caught on camera.

KCAL9's Kristine Lazar spoke to Alford's family.

Alford, 22, showed up for court on crutches flanked by family and his attorney, Caree Harper.

He said the LAPD beat him and kicked him in the head repeatedly when he was stopped earlier this month in South LA while on a bicycle and arrested for drug possession.

Harper said Alford was on the ground, face-down and handcuffed when he was beaten by officers.

"He had to have stitches," said Harper. "He has fractures, he has two serious wounds to the head where the Taser was stuck."

Harper said the beating was caught on security tape by a nearby business.

The LAPD said they have no plans to release the video.

In August, Chief Charlie Beck said the department would stress transparency over the appearance of transparency.

Harper challenged police Wednesday to release the video.

"If Chief Charlie Beck wants to be transparent," Harper said, "the chief will release it. He has the power to do so no matter what he says."

Harper said Alford was in too much pain to talk to reporters.

His mother, Valerie Washington, spoke on his behalf and had difficulty holding back tears.

"They almost killed my baby. I'm just glad that my son is alive," she said.

Alford faces a felony drug-possession charge. A charge of resisting arrest was dropped Wednesday.

Harper said her client plans to file a civil lawsuit against the LAPD.

The LAPD would not comment because he is facing criminal charges.

Last week, Beck said: "Any officer (who) is found to abuse the public is not welcome in this department, and we will apply whatever legal or administrative means necessary to ensure the community's trust without exception."

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