Michael DeHerrera beating: Denver Police seek witness to alleged excessive use of force (PIC)

Michael Roberts December 1, 2010 11:49AM

The April 2009 police beating of Michael DeHerrera continues to be a matter of debate, with the Office of the Independent Monitor and former Manager of Safety Ron Perea coming to very different conclusions about whether officers at the scene used excessive force or were justified in their actions. Now, Denver Police are looking for a possible new witness to the incident.

The photo provided by the police is far from sharp -- but anyone who recognizes the person in it is encouraged to call the DPD or the Office of the Independent Monitor at numbers provided in the release on view below. While Perea resigned after rejecting prosecution in the matter (even though DeHerrera could be seen in a video of the incident talking on a cell phone just before he was sapped), the officers involved still have not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Denver Police Department release:

Denver Police Looking to Identify Possible Witness

(Denver) The Denver Police Department is asking for your assistance in identifying the person in the attached photograph. This person may be a witness to a police arrest and use force that occurred shortly after midnight on April 4, 2009 in the area of 15th Street and Larimer Street. The photograph has been professionally enhanced in an effort to provide the best possible image for identification purposes. We are asking that the person in the photograph, or anyone who may know this persons identity, call the Denver Police Department, Internal Affairs Bureau, at 720-913-6019 or the Office of the Independent Monitor at 720-913-3306.

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Michael Roberts has written for Westword since October 1990, serving stints as music editor and media columnist. He currently covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports and stories that defy categorization.

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