Apr 15, 2008 7:49 am US/Pacific
Reporter Sues LAPD Over Injuries Suffered At Rally
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
A Los Angeles television reporter has sued the city and LAPD, claiming officers struck her with batons and knocked her to the ground during an immigration rally last year.
KTTV reporter Christina Gonzalez claims that police used excessive force during the May 1 rally in MacArthur Park, even though she was wearing press credentials and was accompanied by a camerawoman.
The lawsuit says Gonzalez suffered injuries to her body, "shock to her nervous system" and "severe emotional distress."
She also claims police targeted her because she is Hispanic and a member of the news media. The suit seeks punitive damages.
Gonzalez's colleague, camerawoman Patti Ballaz, filed a similar lawsuit in September.
The city attorney's office says it has not seen the suit and could not comment.
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