Trial of two Palo Alto Officers who Beat Down 61 Year Old Black Man is delayed until March
The trial of two rookie Palo Alto police officers charged with assaulting a motorist in 2003 was postponed Wednesday to March 7 because of scheduling issues. Michael Kan, 27, and Craig Lee, 42, are charged with committing felony assault under color of authority in connection with a July 2003 incident in which they allegedly pepper sprayed and beat with batons Palo Alto resident Albert Hopkins, 61. Prosecutors say there was no reason to use force on Hopkins, who was not committing a crime. Attorneys for Kan and Lee have said the officers' use of pepper spray and batons was necessary because Hopkins made aggressive motions toward them. Kan and Lee have been placed on administrative leave. Defense attorneys are seeking access to further information about past lawsuits that involved Hopkins. A hearing on that request is scheduled for Friday in San Jose. [more]
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