Bear spray assault, response unjust
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Editor,
I am advocating for our son Harold Mitchell Jr. Harold filed a complaint against a local bondsman for actions that constitute criminal conduct. Sgt. Carlson spoke with Harold in May and submitted the complaint with his report to the county attorney’s office.
The facts are that Harold surrendered to a bondsman by putting his hands in the air and advising the bondsman that he was not trying to run. The bondsman used excessive force; he assaulted Harold with a weapon (bear spray) both with the spray and the canister. Harold’s attorney failed to advise him of a new court date. His previous trial date, which he attended, was vacated due to another trial in session. The bondsman came within two feet of Harold and deliberately discharged bear mace into his face. Harold was ordered to lie face down on the ground, and place his hands behind his back. After being handcuffed, Harold had trouble breathing and could not see. The bondsman then struck Harold six to seven times with the canister. Two of the blows split his head open, causing enough damage that stitches were needed to close the wounds. As if this was not enough, the bondsman then sprayed Harold directly in the eyes, mouth and ears until the canister was empty. The hospital treated Harold’s eyes and skin for over an hour to counteract the bear spray.
In June, Deputy County Attorney Mark Russell reported to the Sheriff’s office that Harold was not a victim. We the people must stand up against corrupt public servants.
Not only did our son suffer an act of violence from a local bondsman but now the county is trying to strip him of his constitutional and statutory rights as well. One such right is equal protection of the law. Wouldn’t you or I be arrested for spraying an incapacitated person with bear mace?
Lake County refuses to provide a copy of the police report that was forwarded to Mark Russell to Harold or myself. What do they have to hide? I believe Harold’s report has been altered so the county could claim there is no cause for them to pursue the matter and that the county is showing favor to this bondsman, because Harold is a tribal member. Obviously the laws are very simple. Those records are public information. We will have them soon, and I will make them public. People wonder why Lake County is always getting sued.
Sharlene Peone
Pablo
