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MEMORANDUM
PALM SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE: February 29, 2020
TO: Chief of Police Bryan Reyes (via Chain of Command)
FROM: Lieutenant Erik Larson
SUBJECT: Administrative Review – Use of force (Carotid 2001P-5023)
On February 29, 2020, I reviewed an Administrative Review submitted by
Sergeant Fernandez via Blue Team. The review documented a carotid control hold use
of force incident that occurred on January 23, 2020. I reviewed the associated police
reports, CHP 187 forms, event record, and photographs related to this incident. I also
listened to audio recordings of the radio traffic and of Officer Colantuono’s interview with
the suspect, Johnnie Flores-Robles.
On January 23, 2020, Officer Colantuono was working uniformed patrol and
driving a marked police car. At approximately 1938 hours, Officer Colantuono was
driving westbound on E. Ramon Road when he saw a maroon Kia Optima drive
westbound passed him at a high rate of speed. Officer Colantuono determined that the
driver of the Kia, later identified as Johnnie Flores-Robles, was driving at an unsafe
speed in violation of 22350 CVC. Officer Colantuono caught up to Flores-Robles’
vehicle, activated his emergency overhead lights (which include a steady forward facing
red light), and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Flores-Robles did not yield to Officer Colantuono and a pursuit ensued (see
pursuit review). As Flores-Robles drove westbound on E. Baristo Road, he slowed his
vehicle’s speed. Flores-Robles exited the vehicle while it was still moving, fell down,
and rolled several times along the asphalt. Flores-Robles stood up and ran southbound
into a dirt field. Officer Colantuono chased Flores-Robles and yelled, “Stop! Police!”
Flores-Robles continued running and yelled back to Officer Colantuono, “Fuck you!”
Officer Colantuono caught up with Flores-Robles and tacked him to the ground. Flores-
Robles landed on his left side and Officer Colantuono attempted to control his right side.
Flores-Robles moved his body back and forth in an attempt to pull away from Officer
Colantuono’s grasp. Officer Colantuono told Flores-Robles to “stop resisting”, but he
did not comply. Instead, Flores-Robles continued to move his body and arms around
attempting to physically free himself from Officer Colantuono’s grasp.
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Based on Flores-Robles’ actions of leading Officer Colantuono on a vehicle
pursuit, fleeing from the vehicle, not complying with Officer Colantuono’s commands,
and physically resisting arrest, Officer Colantuono decided to apply the carotid control
hold in order to physically subdue Flores-Robles and take him into custody. While on
the ground, Officer Colantuono applied the carotid control hold rendering Flores-Robles
unconscious. Once Officer Colantuono determined that Flores-Robles was
unconscious, he released the hold and handcuffed him without further incident.
PSFD and AMR Paramedics responded to the scene to evaluate Flores-Robles.
Sergeant Fernandez responded to the scene and was notified of the use of the carotid
control hold. Flores-Robles was transported to the Desert Regional Medical Center
(DRMC) for an okay to book. Officer Colantuono attempted to interview Flores-Robles,
but he did not want to provide a statement. A computer check of Flores-Robles
revealed he was on parole for 69 PC. Officer Colantuono obtained a parole hold for
Flores-Robles per 3056 PC. Flores-Robles suffered abrasions to the right side of his
face, above his right eye, and on his right wrist as a result of tumbling out of the moving
vehicle.
Flores-Robles was arrested and charged with 2800.2(a) VC, 148(a)(1) PC,
14601.2(a) CVC, and 3056 PC and he was transported to the Smith Correctional
Facility in Banning.
I checked the Riverside County Superior Court website and learned that Flores-
Robles was convicted of 2800.2 CVC and 148(a)(1) PC (case #INF2000142).
Based on the totality of the circumstances, the suspect leading Officer
Colantuono on a vehicle pursuit, and the suspect physically resisting arrest, it is in my
opinion that the force used during this incident was reasonably necessary and justified. I
believe that Officer Colantuono was within department policy as stated in Use of Force
sections 300.3, 300.3.1, 300.3.2, and 300.3.3 as well as Carotid Control Hold section
300.3.4 of our department Lexipol manual.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erik Larson
Erik Larson
Lieutenant – Patrol Operations