Beaumont Police Officer Indicted on Four Charges Against DUI Suspect

RIVERSIDE – A Beaumont police officer was arraigned on criminal charges last week resulting in major injuries to a victim under investigation for driving under the influence.

Officer Enoch Clark was indicted in relation to a Feb. 21, 2012 incident on four criminal charges that were determined by a Riverside County grand jury finding on April 19. On Monday, Beaumont city spokesman Darcy Mulvihill identified the victim as Monique Hernandez.

Mulvihill said Clark “was attempting to place Ms. Hernandez into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence. During the course of the arrest, Officer Clark deployed a pepper spray delivery device striking Ms. Hernandez in the face resulting in significant injuries to both of her eyes.” According to a press release by Riverside County spokesman John Hall, there is also an enhancement that Clark personally inflicted great bodily injury.

Hall said that Clark was working a shift that could include possible DUI investigations. During the investigation with Hernandez, there was an altercation with her while Clark was attempting to put handcuffs on the suspect. Clark then pulled out, said Hall, a “less-than-lethal device issued by his department called a JPX device.”

Example of a JPX Pepper Spray gun

Hall described the device, which uses a wafer of gun powder to propel a stream of pepper spray. The pepper spray is propelled at a speed of more than 400 miles per hour. The minimum distance the device is to be utilized is about five feet, with the optimum distance between six and 16 feet, said Hall. Medical reports stated that both of the victim’s eyes were severely injured “and it is doubtful she will see again.”

Clark was indicted for assault under the color of authority, assault with a less lethal weapon, use of force causing serious bodily injury and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. Beaumont police requested Riverside County Sheriff’s officials to investigate, “standard protocol in these types of events,” said Mulvihill. Hall said the county sheriff’s findings were forwarded to the District Attorney, saying that Clark had been trained on the proper use of the JPX device, including distances at which it should be used, plus the dangers of using it at a distance less than five feet.

Hall said, “Grand jury proceedings, by law, are secret until a defendant has been arraigned on the indictment.” A trial conference has been scheduled for May 29. Beaumont police, said Mulvihill, have also retained the services of an outside investigative firm to conduct an administrative review of Clark’s actions. Expectations are for that investigation to be concluded shortly. Clark has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

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