An incident in Los Angeles has drawn intense scrutiny after video evidence emerged showing a white police officer allegedly assaulting a Black man who was already restrained and posed no threat.
According to a complaint filed by Alexander Donta Mitchell, 28, the encounter took place in the Watts neighborhood near 113th Street and Graham Avenue while walking back to his car. Mitchell states he was sitting in a double‑parked vehicle, which was improperly oriented, waiting for a friend, when two LAPD officers approached and asked him to exit the car. He complied without resistance.
What followed, Mitchell claims, escalated needlessly. During a routine search, he questioned the officers’ behavior. At that moment, as he was handcuffed, he shouted, “What did I do?” Witnesses say, and the lawsuit alleges, that one officer struck him in the chin while he was already restrained.
Mitchell suffered serious injuries in the aftermath. Because of difficulties breathing, he was taken to a hospital instead of into custody. Medical examinations indicated a fractured nose bridge and a dislocated jaw.
In response, the LAPD has placed both officers involved on leave, pending an internal investigation. While authorities have not released bodycam footage, department representatives emphasize they treat claims of misconduct seriously.
“This was unprovoked violence when there was no danger,” said Mitchell’s lawyer in a press statement. “My client obeyed every direction — and was met with brutality, not protection.”
Mitchell’s lawsuit seeks damages citing both physical harm and emotional distress, along with alleged violations of civil rights. Community leaders and civil rights organizations have called on the LAPD and local government to be fully transparent about the investigation and ensure accountability.
The investigation remains open, and more evidence — including any external video, officer reports, and footage — may soon be made public.
