Officers acted within the scope of their duty

District Attorney James P. Fox found that the officers did not use excessive force during the arrest of Ricardo Escobedo. For the 78 members of the POA, that means giving full attention and service to the citizens they are sworn to protect. For the Escobedo family, moving on may mean extending the legal process.

According to the POA's executive board, suggestions of a cover-up and comparisons to the Rodney King incident by family members are simply without merit. District Attorney Fox has made a voluminous amount of documents and records available for public scrutiny. The POA's position is that the facts in this case are clear. A combative subject with a significant history of violence and substance abuse initiated a physical confrontation with officers at the scene of a disturbance.

The independent account of an eyewitness to the struggle described the officers' actions as appropriate. Ricardo Escobedo continued to resist even after being handcuffed and having his legs secured by a nylon wrap-around restraining device. The officers did not strike Ricardo Escobedo with their batons and they did not apply any electrical charge to his body during the intense struggle.

"Unfortunately, it appears the Coroner's and the District Attorney's findings have not answered the Escobedo family's questions," remarked POA President Ray Fowler. "I understand their attorney is now committed to 'exposing the truth.' However, the District Attorney has already arrived at the truth in this matter.

Our officers truly acted within the scope of their sworn duty and none of them used excessive force. The Escobedo family certainly has the right to pursue this case in other legal arenas. If they choose to do so, I hope they remember no one involved in this incident could foresee the circumstances that would lead to an intense struggle. We continue to extend our sympathies and prayers to the Escobedo family.

Redwood City Police

Officers Association<