A Vancouver Police Department officer who pulled down a 19-year-old’s pants and threatened to use a Taser on his genitals has been acquitted of assault charges.

The verdict was quickly heralded by the Vancouver Police Officer’s Guild, which said the decision to charge the officer criminally was “driven by politics.”

Last spring, security cameras and body-worn cameras captured Officer Andrea Mendoza and another officer apprehending the man, who was suspected of shoplifting from a Walmart. The man ran and initially resisted arrest.

After a brief scuffle, Mendoza is seen pinning the man’s legs to the ground. Footage shows the man said he was “done” resisting as Mendoza pulled down his pants and held a Taser to his genitals for 24 seconds.

“Officers nationwide are asked to do a difficult job, filled with split-second decisions,” wrote Jeff Anaya, the Vancouver police union president. “Officer Mendoza did her best to react to a violent altercation, performed her lawful duty, and stopped herself and her partner from being further assaulted, all with minimal force.”

Six jurors deliberated for nearly five hours, according to The Columbian newspaper. They returned an acquittal verdict shortly before 3 p.m.

Mendoza’s defense attorney contended her tactics are legal uses of force. He also stated that she acted in self-defense as the man struck her and the other officer during the struggle.

“As long as the jury heard the facts and saw the video, I was confident they would not find her guilty,” attorney John Terry told OPB. “It was an honor to represent Officer Mendoza.”

Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik, whose office charged Mendoza with fourth-degree assault last summer, did not return requests for comment.

Anaya said he was glad to see Mendoza’s acquittal and accused the prosecutor’s office of trying to score political points from members of the public who are critical of police.

“This is a political maneuver,” he told OPB. “It’s something they can boast later, that we’re willing to go after the police.”

Mendoza joined the Vancouver Police Department in 2016. She has been on paid administrative leave since May 24, three days after the incident.

Mendoza remains on paid administrative leave. Vancouver police spokesperson Kim Kapp said she will remain on leave as the criminal case’s conclusion allows the agency to resume its internal affairs investigation.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2024/04/23/vancouver-police-officer-taser-genitals-andrea-mendoza-shoplifting-suspect-washington/