First, let me start by saying that I have always been a proud supporter of the police force. Being a former member of the military and having served in hostile locations, I have a genuine appreciation for the danger and complexities of their jobs. However the savage and senseless beating of 37 year old Kelly Thomas by six Fullerton police officers is beyond comprehension or defense!
According to media reports on July 5, 2011, Kelly Thomas who was a homeless schizophrenic was approached by Fullerton police officers because he matched the description of a burglary suspect. The report is that Kelly then resisted arrest, which is when the Officers used their tasers and "subdued" him. However according to eyewitness accounts, the officers tasered Kelly over five times—even after he was on the floor. Additionally, video taken by bystanders recorded the poor man screaming and crying for his "Dad" as the officers tasered and pummeled him. The gruesome pictures of Kelly in the hospital show the intensity and severity of the beating as his face was no longer recognizable!
The bottom line is this. There is a strong possibility that Kelly was the person breaking into the cars. It is also more than likely that Kelly did in fact resist arrest. However, in my opinion none of that justifies the level that the six officers escalated the situation for the following reasons: (1) Kelly was an unarmed 130lbs man; (2) There were six police officers; (3) they had already taken him down to the ground. There was absolutely no reason to continue to tase or hit Kelly. Even if Kelly had been a violent thug or criminal it still would not have entitled the officers to act as they did. What I think happened is simple and obvious. He resisted arrest and the officers got mad and decided to teach him a lesson; one that went too far. However ultimately it is not the police officers authority to provide punishment—that's what the courts are for!
Now, three weeks later none of the officers involved have had any action—not even placed on administrative leave. The District Attorney is only now starting to question witnesses and allegations of a close friendship between the police chief and the District Attorney have raised questions about the objectivity of the investigation. The police chief is not saying much, and apparently the police union has sent threatening letters to some that have been reporting on the situation. It looks like unless there is a major public outcry this one might be swept under the carpet!