James Allen , a passenger in Rodney King 's car , said he was racially provoked and made to crawl on the ground as he heard King being beaten . Fearing for his own life , he heard King scream , " stop , " then become silent as the sounds of the beating continued . Another passenger , Freddie Helms , agrees . King and his friends are black . ; 'Rodney, stop'; "We stopped at a red light and took off again. The police officers were white and as many as 21 were present . Four , a sergeant and three officers , have been indicted for assault . Allen , King 's friend since childhood , said they had each consumed some beer , but no drugs . Tests confirmed this .
James Allen , a passenger in Rodney King 's car , said he was racially provoked and made to crawl on the ground as he heard King being beaten . Fearing for his own life , he heard King scream , " stop , " then become silent as the sounds of the beating continued . Another passenger , Freddie Helms , agrees . King and his friends are black . The police officers were white and as many as 21 were present . Four , a sergeant and three officers , have been indicted for assault . Allen , King 's friend since childhood , said they had each consumed some beer , but no drugs . Tests confirmed this .