Watch CBS News

San Jose Police Accused Of Brutality Following House Party Arrests

SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- Accusations of police brutality have been leveled against more than two dozen San Jose police officers, following a series of arrests at a house party over the long Thanksgiving weekend.

More than 25 officers responded to calls late Friday night of shots fired on the 3000 block of Patt Avenue in East San Jose.

Police arrested 42 people who were attending a birthday party at the house, mostly for resisting arrest and starting a riot.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

Rhonda Fimowicz, who owns the home, was one of those arrested. She claims her son, as well as many others at the house were treated poorly by police.

"They hit them with Billy clubs, Tased them along with myself," Fimowicz said. "I was thrown on the ground and my hair was pulled. They dug their nails into me. There was just so much brutality."

San Jose Police spokesperson Officer Albert Morales told KCBS they are still reviewing the matter.

"Without first reviewing the police reports, I couldn't confirm what she said was going on that evening," Morales said. "But what I can confirm is that the officers were treated, when they initially responded to the home, I guess I can describe as kind of a hostile situation."

Morales said that bottles were thrown at police and a loaded gun was found in the residence.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.