On Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed a charge of assault under the color of authority against Glendale Police Officer Gonzalo Zendejas.

The filing was based on an incident that occurred on Saturday, June 5, 2021 when Glendale police officers responded to an in-progress retail burglary involving multiple suspects inside a Glendale Galleria store. Officers were able to locate the suspects before they left the mall. When officers attempted to detain one suspect, he resisted and a struggle ensued. Officers used force to subdue the male and arrested him.

Due to the details surrounding the incident, the Glendale Police Dept. immediately began an internal investigation. All officers involved in the use of force were placed on administrative leave.

Simultaneously, the Glendale Police Dept. requested the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for a thorough and transparent review of the incident, including any potential criminal actions.

The Glendale Police Dept.’s internal administrative investigation remains ongoing as the outcome was pending the completion of the criminal investigation.

From the onset of this investigation, the Glendale Police Dept. provided the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with all reports, statements, audio and video to aid in its process. This was done to be fully transparent and assist in a complete and thorough investigation of the facts and evidence surrounding the incident.