FBI Opens Investigation Into Denver Police Beating

DENVER (AP/CBS4) — The FBI is investigating the case of a 19-year-old community college student who was beaten by Denver police after being stopped for an illegal left hand turn.

Denver Police Chief Robert White and Manager of Safety Alex Martinez say the FBI investigation centers on whether Alex Landau's civil rights were violated by the officers involved in the Jan. 15, 2009 stop. White and Martinez say the investigation does not target the department's policies and procedures.

FBI spokesman Dave Joly confirmed the investigation.

A lawsuit filed in the case says officers beat Landau to unconsciousness with their fists, a radio and a flashlight after he questioned whether they had legal authority to search the trunk of his car. Officers also used a derogatory term for African Americans in arresting Landau.

Landau received a nearly $800,000 settlement from the city.

"The investigation is not a pattern and practices civil investigation into the Denver Police Department," White said in a statement.

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