Nov 28, 2008 7:27 pm US/Eastern
Family Outraged When Suspect Beaten After Chase
HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
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There's outrage and demands for justice from the family of a man who claims police beat him after a car chase through Howard County.
There's outrage and demands for justice from the family of a man who claims police beat him after a car chase through Howard County.
Mike Hellgren reports a video is at the heart of the investigation.
The slow-speed police chase along Route 32 ended with a controversial arrest.
Stephen Mark Zombro puts his hands up then hits the ground. That's when officers moved in.
One appears to kick him and punch him several times before another officer holds him back. Seconds later, an officer holds Zombro by the neck.
The arrests, caught on tape last week, sparked an internal police investigation with one officer now on administrative leave.
Zombro's family is pushing for answers and accountability.
"Police officers are police officers. They are to uphold the law. They are not the judge. They are not the jury," said Laura Kuhns, victim's sister.
"It's a mother's worst nightmare," said Winnie Davis, victim's mother.
The police were pursuing Zombro in his white truck after trying to pull him over on a theft charge.
"He was putting citizens at risk. He was putting officers at risk," said Chief William McMahon, Howard County Police. "I've seen the video, and I have some concerns. Some of what I saw on that video is clearly not what I expect from our officers. It is not acceptable."
Zombro's sister Kara described how her brother looked when she saw him in jail after the arrest.
"He was bruised, scratched up across his face and stomach. His arm was black and blue all up and down it," said Kara Zombro. "He could have been anyone's brother, father, son, uncle, anyone."
Keep in mind, you can't hear what's going on on the ground.
"We believe in speaking out against what is wrong and upholding what is right," said Davis. "It's wrong. It needs to stop."
Right now, Zombro is at the Howard County Detention Center. His family says he's in protective custody.
Police say their internal investigation will be thorough and is ongoing.
Zombro faces more than a dozen charges, including assault. Police are not naming the officer they put on administrative leave.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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