Man sues Culver City police over excessive force. Police release dash cam video.

Police vehicles relating to an encounter between Terry Walton and Culver City police officers on February 7, 2017. Mr. Walton was the subject of a traffic stop for vehicle code violations.

Officers had asked Mr. Walton to exit his vehicle for further investigation because he had admitted being on probation for prior drug charges.

One of the officers suspected that Mr. Walton was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the encounter.

Mr. Walton did not exit his vehicle as requested, and since he had not been searched for weapons, the officers became suspicious of his behavior and concerned for their safety.

For officer safety, the officers opted to handcuff Mr. Walton. They were motivated to do so given his demeanor, a concern that he may be under the influence of narcotics, and his probationary status.
Mr. Walton did not cooperate during the encounter and refused to allow the officers to handcuff him.

The officers used force in an attempt to overcome resistance from Mr. Walton (who is 7 foot, 350 lbs), and in self-defense. The force included pain compliance procedures, as well as the carotid restraint control hold - which are authorized by Culver City Police Department policy. Peace officers in California are trained on the use of the carotid hold - which is distinguished from a bar-arm choke hold. The maneuver offers peace officers a method for controlling subjects who are resisting arrest.