Family of Ind. teen beaten by police during arrest calls for firing of all 4 officers involved

Beaten Ind. teen’s family: All 4 cops should go

INDIANAPOLIS — The family of a 15-year-old boy who was struck in the face repeatedly by police during an arrest says all four officers involved should be fired.

Relatives of Brandon Johnson said Thursday they are disappointed that Indianapolis police Chief Paul Ciesielski (si-SEL-skee) only recommended that Officer Jerry Piland (PIE-land) be fired over the May 16 arrest that left the teen with multiple facial wounds.

Several black community leaders have called for a federal investigation into whether the arrest and beating were racially motivated. All four officers are white. Johnson’s mother is black and father is white.

Ciesielski (si-SEL-skee) says Piland “clearly crossed” a line by striking Johnson after other officers had him subdued. One other officer faces a reprimand.