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Reasons Behind Rowley Charges
posted (January 24, 2019)

It's been just over three weeks since the infamous video of San Pedro police brutally beating up Jamir Leal on New Years surfaced, and, as we told you yesterday, finally, charges have been brought against at least one of the cops in the video. Today the media questioned the head of CIB, ASP Alejandro Cowo, about why it's taken so long despite the video clearly showing what was happeningâ€Â¦

ASP Alejandro Cowo - Head, CIB
"Referencing the incident that occurred in San Pedro where Jamir Leal was seen beaten by an officer. On yesterday's date police arrested and charged PC Tyrell Rowely attached to the San Pedro formation for the crime of wounding."

Reporter
"Sir, it took basically 22 days to get to this point. Could you maybe enlighten us as to what was the delay for charges given the fact that the evidence was there in the video."

ASP Alejandro Cowo
"You have to take into consideration that at the initial stage there were kinda reluctant to provide a statement to the police. However after the Commissioner spoke to them, it was then that they decided to make a formal complaint and that is from where the investigation actually commenced. It took a week or two weeks to do an arrest because we had to ensure that we have everything before we do an arrest and not just go and arrest somebody when we don't have enough evidence."

While the other officer and civilian shown participating in the beatdown have not been charged, Cowo says that the investigation is ongoing and charges may be brought depending on any new information or evidence that they receive. 

In their defence, the officers claim they were punched, kicked, and mobbed when they went to break up a fight involving Jamir Leal.

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