Bakersfield police officer allegedly charged with assault

A Bakersfield police officer has reportedly been charged with allegedly using unnecessary force during a burglary operation in early June.

Shortly before 9 p.m. on June 7, officers responded to a report of a burglary at the Blanco Hotel at 2700 White Ln. The victim stated that an adult female had forcibly entered the victim’s room and caused property damage, police said in a news release.

Officers reportedly attempted to shout for the suspect to leave the room, but she refused. Officers reportedly fired 40mm direct impact rounds containing OC powder into the room.

The suspect remained uncooperative, allegedly threw glass bottles at the officers and eventually barricaded herself in the bathroom.

Due to the suspect’s behavior, officers forced open the bathroom door. Officer Anthony Berumen reportedly used his canine partner to subdue the suspect.

The dog reportedly did not bite the suspect and she was taken into custody without further incident.

Berumen’s alleged behavior during the altercation constituted an unnecessary and inappropriate use of force, police said.

On June 9, Berumen’s superiors became aware of the incident during a review of footage from the officer’s body-worn camera, which led to criminal and administrative investigations.

Officer Berumen was placed on leave and his four-legged partner was relieved of duty, police said.

In late June, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office charged Berumen with assault under the guise of authority. Berumen, 34, got arrested on 10th of July.

Further information is not yet available.

Bakersfield police officer allegedly charged with assault was last modified: July 12, 2024 from Administrator