Presente, National Latino Political Advocacy Group, Demands Full State Attorney General Investigation of Anaheim Police Department

By Gabriel San Roman Mon., Jul. 23 2012 at 9:30 AM

The disturbing images of police repression from Saturday's standoff in Anaheim following the police killing of Manuel Diaz have gone viral, making international headlines.

After a weekend of fatal officer-involved shootings and days of social unrest in the city, the national Latino political organization Presente.org, in conjunction with local community members, is demanding that State Attorney Kamala Harris launch a full investigation into the incident as well as the uptick in officer involved-shootings over the years that has prompted Mother's Day marches of grieving families in front of Disneyland.

The call goes above and beyond Mayor Tom Tait's statements yesterday asking Harris' office to look into the circumstances surrounding the initial shooting in the name of transparency.

"If it wasn't clear already, it is clear now that the Anaheim Police Department is out of control," reads the statement of Presente.org "This police brutality needs to stop. "

"I see these parents were shielding their kids from the bullets of a shotgun. I could not believe that," says Presente.org co-founder and strategist Roberto Lovato in reference to the civilian footage of the repression. "None of us are just going to stand by and watch this."

As an organization, Presente.org don't play around. They've successfully campaigned and gained victories for their initiatives in the past including "Basta Dobbs" which knocked the Know Nothing blabbering baboso off CNN.

In a city like Anaheim, where grassroots raza organizations are few and far between, national backing is important, especially after all that has transpired this weekend, including another killing just last night. "For the police to go out and shoot someone the very next day, it's almost like they are challenging the community," Lovato adds. "If we don't do anything, we're complicit.

"Anaheim can become a national symbol of how sick we are with respect to these atrocious acts perpetrated by police."

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Tags:

Anaheim Police Department, Kamala Harris, Manuel Diaz, Mayor Tom Tait, Presente.org, Roberto Lovato

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armandocdll81

"As an organization, Presente.org don't play around. "

Great - why doesn't Presente.org do something about the thousands of Mexicans being killed each year by the drug cartels and Mexican military? Oh - I guess that would be too dificil for these asinine hucksters.

909Jeff topcommenter

This is what the news is reporting... And your response is to riot and demand the state AG investigate the Anaheim PD? Really? perhaps some introspection is in order.

A gunman who opened fire on an officer at the end of a stolen-car pursuit was killed in Anaheim's second fatal officer-involved shooting in two days, authorities said Monday.

The shooting climaxed an incident that began around 11:20 p.m. Sunday, when anti-gang officers spotted a known gang member on probation in what they soon determined was a stolen car, Anaheim police Sgt. Bob Dunn said. They were pursuing the vehicle when the driver lost control on on West Guinida Lane, and two men and a woman bailed.

“The officers were in foot pursuit for about a half-block when one male suspect fired at the officers,” Dunn said. “The officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was dead at the scene.”

A gun was found next to the body, he said, adding that the second male suspect was detained, but the female got away, and a perimeter search for her was under way.

It was not immediately determined if the suspect who fired on officers was the gang member on probation, Dunn said.

GustavoArellano moderator editortopcommenter

@909Jeff Seven people dead in one year by the Anaheim PD. With more in the previous years? With not all of them gang members? And you don't think something is amiss? Why is it conservatives always give police the benefit of the doubt, yet rail about government intrusion at all other times?

909Jeff topcommenter

@GustavoArellano I wouldnt say I always give the cops the benefit of the doubt... Definitely didnt in the Kelly thomas case.

When Amber wrote about the earlier shootings a few weeks ago she listed full names of the deceased. Almost everyone of them I was able to find criminal records for on the courts website... Many of them with multiple felonies... now before you even say it, NO, just being a felon doesnt mean the cops should roll up on you and bust a cap in your ass... BUT as another commenter said.. Live by the sword die by the sword... They chose their path well aware of the dangers it would place them and their families and their communities in. Hell someone posted Diaz's myspace page (who the fuck uses myspace?) where he bragged about doing a piece in upstate and that they cant take him down. Manny Diaz has (Had) 5 felonies. Acevedo had 2. The only thing I find amiss is that this community coddles and shelters this criminals who bring this kind of danger into their communities. The reson the cops were there was because thats where the felons are.

Government Intrusion is telling me I cant eat Foie, or what guns I can legally purchase or telling me how much gas I can consume in my gas guzzler... Not chasing down a convicted felon in the commission of another felony and returning fire when fired upon... That is what you call good police work.

As far as Manny Diaz goes... Unarmed... I'll await the investigation doesnt sond like a clean shooting but again... live the lifestyle, accept the consequences.

GustavoArellano moderator editortopcommenter

@909Jeff Yeah, but even convicted felons don't deserve to die in cold blood at the hands of police. And you're not remembering your history—Google "Julian Alexander," then realize this isn't just isolated incidents but a disturbing trend involving cholos and non-cholos alike.

Matthew777

@909Jeff This was a different shooting. The rioting and protesting were for the other on that happened on Saturday at 4PM. Another Gang member was shot and killed after running from officers. There are no other details on that one yet.