San Jose man says federal agents roughed him up in mistaken identity case

[alp227]

Source: San Jose Mercury News

SAN JOSE -- His arms yanked behind his back, face smashed against a car hood, David Cole shouted with pain, wondering why in the world he was getting busted by plain-clothed law enforcement agents in the handicapped parking space just outside of a Target.

The 51-year-old disabled man had no gun, no drugs, no warrants. Cole had heart pills, two bags of dog food, a bottle of bleach, and things for his wife, Zenobia, who was now screaming at the agents: "Why are you doing this? We haven't done anything!"

Within minutes, the 10 or so agents apparently realized Zenobia Cole was right.

They dropped her husband to the asphalt, according to the Coles and two witnesses, got back in their SUVs and sped off.

This week, the Coles have medical bills and serious accusations of excessive force to show the U.S. Marshal's Service -- who it appears tried to bust the wrong man.

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_16651258

[RKP5637]

1. Just like a police state ... n/t

[FailureToCommunicate]

2. The marshals better hope a Target security camera didn't catch it all...

[bluedigger]

3. Obviously, they screwed up.

I would like to know who they thought they were apprehending before I condemn them, however. It could be that they thought he was a very dangerous person, although he certainly isn't described as appearing to be. The U.S. Marshall's Service is not the TSA - they are generally highly trained and very competent. They definitely had a bad day, but not as bad as Mr. Coles, who I hope recovers fully.

edit for completeness.

[PavePusher]

4. Seeing as how they fled the scene...

they are certainly worthy of considerable condemnation.

[bluedigger]

5. Maybe they had a hot tip on another dangerous handicapped suspect?

I can't say.:rofl:

Seriously, this is a piece of very shoddy journalism. We aren't told when the assault took place, only that "this week" the Coles have medical bills; that it happened at a Target (in San Jose? Maybe?); and that a spokesman says they are investigating the allegations. Two witnesses are presented other than the victim's wife, and apparently the more credible one that was named was taking donations for a rehab center. Well, the story is now public, and I guess we'll see how it plays out...

[Arctic Dave]

6. The US Marshall is full of idiots too, they just have better weaponry.

[bluedigger]

7. "Full of idiots"?

:eyes: You might actually want to acquaint yourself with what these "idiots" have been up to lately.
http://www.usmarshals.gov/news/index.html

I'm okay with their getting murderers and sex offenders off the streets. I think they just beat up the handicapped on their breaks for sport.:sarcasm:

[mike_c]

8. I don't give a rat's buttocks who they THOUGHT they were attacking....

They assaulted an innocent citizen without provocation, then fled. That's PIG behavior, from beginning to end. Fucking pigs.