Two Los Angeles Police Department officers have been removed from active duty following allegations of excessive force during the arrest of 28-year-old Alexander Donta Mitchell, a Black man, in the Watts neighborhood.
According to a civil lawsuit filed by Mitchell, the incident occurred near 113th Street and Graham Avenue while he was waiting for a friend. Mitchell was sitting in a car that had reportedly been double-parked and oriented improperly. LAPD officers approached and requested that he exit the vehicle, which he did without resistance.
Body search procedures followed, during which Mitchell questioned the officers’ handling of the situation. The interaction escalated when officers attempted to place Mitchell under arrest for allegedly resisting. Eyewitnesses and the lawsuit claim Mitchell shouted, “What did I do?” before one of the officers suddenly struck him in the chin while he was being handcuffed.
Mitchell, who was handcuffed and not posing a threat at the time, was transported to a hospital instead of being taken directly to jail due to breathing difficulties. Medical evaluations later revealed that Mitchell had suffered a broken nose bridge and a dislocated jaw.
The LAPD confirmed that both officers involved have been relieved of their field duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The department has not yet released body camera footage or additional details but stated that it takes all allegations of misconduct seriously.
“This was an unprovoked and brutal act,” said Mitchell’s attorney in a press conference. “Mr. Mitchell complied with every instruction. He was met with violence, not justice.”
The lawsuit seeks damages for physical and emotional trauma, and civil rights violations. Community activists have called for full transparency and accountability in the case, with some citing it as yet another example of racially biased policing.
The LAPD has not commented further, citing the ongoing investigation.
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