Denver Police Beating Victim Says New FBI Investigation Is Bittersweet
DENVER (CBS4) - The FBI is now investigating the case of a college student beaten by Denver police. The feds will see if police violated Alex Landau's civil rights during the incident in 2009.
After hearing about the federal investigation, Landau says the news is bittersweet.
Alex landau thinks about his attack every day when he sees his scares.
"I felt belittled the whole time, just less than human," Landau said.
He was beat up by Denver police after they say he made an illegal left hand turn. The city settled with Landau for almost $800,000, and now the FBI is investigating the incident to see if his civil rights were violated.
"It feels like a victory to me in terms of having a new department analyzing the civil rights violations," Landau said. "But at the same time I feel like my investigation has been delayed going on 3 1/2 years."
The new federal investigation means the Denver Police Department won't conclude their own internal affairs investigation yet.
"I would certainly like this to come to closure as soon as possible," Denver Police Chief Robert White said.
White says he wants to be transparent and careful in the case that he sees as important in fixing the department's image.
"Prior to making a recommendation to the manager, who will ultimately decide the course of action that needs to be taken, I want to have the benefit of the FBI's findings," White said.
Two of the officers involved were fired for other violations and have not been disciplined for the beating of Landau. He isn't happy with how Chief White has handled the case.
"You know he's given me explanations for them. But just things like that, you know ... it's not that hard to see what happened," Landau said.
It's not clear how long the FBI's investigation will take.
The officers who were fired are currently appealing their firings.
