A Bakersfield police officer has reportedly been charged in connection with the alleged unnecessary use of force during a burglary call in early June.
Just before 9 p.m. on June 7, officers responded to a report of a burglary at the Blanco Hotel on the 2700 block of White Ln. The victim reported that an adult female had forced her way into the victim’s room and caused damage to the property, police said in a press release.
Officers reportedly tried to persuade the suspect to exit the room by calling out to her, but she refused. Officers reportedly deployed 40mm direct impact rounds containing OC powder into the room.
The suspect remained uncooperative, allegedly throwing glass bottles at the officers and eventually barricading herself in the bathroom.
Due to the suspect’s behavior, officers forced open the bathroom door. Officer Anthony Berumen reportedly deployed his canine partner to subdue the suspect.
The canine reportedly did not bite the suspect, and she was taken into custody without further incident.
Berumen’s alleged actions during this encounter constituted an unnecessary and unreasonable use of force, police said.
On June 9, the incident came to the attention of Berumen’s supervisors during a review of the officer’s body-worn camera footage, prompting criminal and administrative investigations.
Officer Berumen was placed on administrative leave and his canine partner was removed from service, police said.
In late June, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office charged Berumen with misdemeanor assault under the color of authority. Berumen, 34, was arrested on July 10.
Additional information has not been made available as of yet.
