San Bernardino County Sheriff Releases Deputies’ Names Involved in Suspect Beating
SAN BERNARDINO – San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon released the names of 10 deputies on Monday who were involved in the videotaped beating of a man who was tracked down after a lengthy chase.
It began when deputies showed up at the Apple Valley residence of Francis Jared Pusok, 30, to serve him with an arrest warrant on Thursday, April 9. Pusok fled his residence, leading deputies on a car chase that ended in a mountain wilderness area, where Pusok stole a horse in order to keep fleeing. Using ground patrols guided by a sheriff’s helicopter, deputies finally caught up with Pusok. When they took him into custody, news copters filmed the deputies, who continued to strike him while he was on the ground, seemingly under their control.
One day after the attack, McMahon issued a statement, saying, “The video surrounding this arrest is disturbing, and I have ordered an internal investigation be conducted immediately.”
McMahon also said “In addition, members of the Specialized Investigation Detail are responding to conduct the criminal investigation.” A settlement was quickly struck with Pusok. San Bernardino County reached a reported $650,000 settlement with him after the reports of using excessive force relating to Pusok’s arrest were released.
Criminal and administrative investigations are continuing with the involved deputies – Nicholas Downey, Scott Hamilton, David Moore, Dominic Moody, Detective William Doemner, Sergeant James Evans, Michael Phelps, Raymond Perez, Tyler McGee, and Charles Foster.
All 10 were placed on paid administrative leave one day after the incident pending the investigations. No additional information was released by the Sheriff’s Department. Two deputies were injured during the search, the injuries consisting of abrasions, a twisted knee, and a back injury from being struck by the horse. They have been treated and released.
Pusok was treated for minor injuries, which consisted of abrasions and bruising. He was treated at the hospital and then transported to West Valley Detention Center for booking for felony evading, theft of a horse, possession of stolen property and an active warrant for reckless driving. Bail has been set at $115,000.
The department has since reported receiving multiple threatening e-mails, phone calls and posts on social media. No appearance dates have been set relating to the original charges against Pusok. He was released on bail on April 12.
