A motorist, Daryl Gates , was stopped in Los Angeles County after speeding on a freeway and then running several red lights. Witnesses said he only left his car after several requests, then was beaten as he attempted to rise from the ground where officers had placed him. The officers then reportedly beat him with night sticks as they held him down. The incident was witnessed by at least a dozen bystanders. A nearby apartment resident videotaped the entire incident and the tape was broadcast by local and national television, stirring public outrage. Los Angeles and the Cable News Network have opened investigations into the matter.
A motorist, Rodney King, was stopped in Los Angeles after speeding on a freeway and then running several red lights. Witnesses said he only left his car after several requests, then was beaten as he attempted to rise from the ground where officers had placed him. The officers then reportedly beat him with night sticks as they held him down. The incident was witnessed by three bystanders. A nearby apartment resident videotaped the entire incident and the tape was broadcast by local and national television, stirring public outrage. Los Angeles County and the FBI have opened investigations into the matter.