Police Brutality: Cop Relentlessly Beats Unarmed Driver UPDATED!

April 16, 2010 — Chicago - A Streamwood police officer's own dashboard camera has proven to be his downfall.

Officer James Mandarino is facing charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct after he was caught on video beating an unarmed motorist.

The video, recorded March 28 after a traffic stop, shows Mandarino getting out of his squad car with his gun drawn, and approaching an SUV driven by 28 year old Ronald Bell of Streamwood.

Bell is seen with his hands up for about a minute and a half before Mandorino orders and then pulls him to the ground. The video shows Mandorino beating Bell with his baton 15 times in 13 seconds.

All the while, Bell is trying to protect himself.

He was beaten on the head, back and arms and suffered a concussion and required seven stitches to close a gash on his right ear.

Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez announced the charges Thursday after a two week investigation.

"The conduct displayed on the video by this officer is not only disturbing, it's outrageous and it's unacceptable," Alvarez said.

"Every law enforcement officer holds his or her powers through the public trust and this officer's senseless act of rage against an unarmed motorist constitutes an offensive violation of that trust."

Mandorino posted bond and was released after court. The 15-year veteran with the Streamwood police has been relieved of his duties and put on paid administrative leave according to the department. As he left court reporters peppered him with questions.

"I'm not a le to make any statement at this time," Mandarino said, "my attorney advised me not to make any statements without him being present."

It was the Streamwood police who discovered the video, and reported it to the State's Attorney's office within 24 hours of the incident.

Bell was originally stopped, prosecutors said, after the officer heard him squeal his tires. He was charged with DUI and other offenses, but prosecutors have dropped all charges.

Prosecutors say what's not seen on tape is something that could lead to additional charges. Before the beating, they say Mandorino tazered a passenger in Bell's vehicle twice

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[t3chk4]

@mk45gunnr Well if you don't help get rid of the bad cops you're just as guilty as they are. You let THEM give you the reputation you now receive, if you don't police your own ranks it will only get worse, a LOT worse. Out of control is out of control, there is NO excuse for it, or covering it up. You want to be respected, then do the right thing. Being a sadist shouldn't be a job requirement.

[MrVampiredog]

welcome to nazi america

[airman81399]

THIS SHIT HAPPENS EVERYDAY!!!!!!GOOD COPS ARE THE MINORITY,95PERCENT OF COPS ARE ASSHOLES WHO THINK THEY CAN BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF ANYBODY!!!FUCK THEM PUNKS!!!

[sceptreofjudah]

@t3chk4 Support you local Constitutional Militia. Arm up to defend yourselves before it is too late. With the federalisation of all local police, this kind of thing will only be getting worse. Μολῶν λαβέ.

[sk8erjkula0705]

Damn ever white people aren't safe from cops

[prettyboyswag57123]

Best part is when he says he was going to town on him

[mark1969000]

that's the problem there are too many cops on a poweer trip. remember cops you put your pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else stop taking things too far and unless you see an obvious threat like a weapon chill the hell out!!!!!!!

[SavedJesusFreak]

@freedomination2 Uh huh. I bet you would. Bet you would get real far too. LOLOLOLOL

[SavedJesusFreak]

@mirzayanov1 Ha! Verily sir, verily. Thumbs up to you.

[mirzayanov1]

@SavedJesusFreak then people would complain that tazing someone is wrong and that cops have to find another way

[SavedJesusFreak]

Little out of line but with what the guy did and still not complying or getting down, I would still only call it a little out of line. Really he should have tazed the guy but hitting him several times with the baton would be about right. He just took it too far.

[QwantezR]

If I came outside 2 witness my brother being beat down with a solid object like that I would think this guy was trynna kill him there for I'd kill that person 2 save my bro cop or not.cops that do this shit should have 10tym worse consequences then normal ppl.