WARREN Force on man kept him from swallowing drugs, chief says

Lyndal Kimble pleaded innocent to all charges and is free on $20,000 bond.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A man who says he was beaten by police during an arrest over the weekend was found to have a rock of suspected crack cocaine, a pocket full of cash, a belly full of suspected marijuana, and a prior drug conviction, police say.
Police used force on Lyndal Kimble during Saturday's arrest to prevent him from swallowing suspected crack cocaine, said Police Chief John Mandopoulos.
The chief noted that the officers are still working and have not been placed on administrative leave. A preliminary review of the arrest does not show excessive force was used, the chief said.
Kimble's supporters, however, thronged the municipal courtroom of Judge Terry Ivanchak Monday and said they believed Kimble, of Kenilworth, was beaten and sprayed with a chemical repellent by police. Kimble's neighbor videotaped the arrest.
"He was assaulted and police used excessive force," said Willette Hall, Kimble's stepmother. "He was just going around the corner to get something to eat -- that's all. He has a dislocated shoulder and was beaten in the groin area."
Kimble, who was convicted in May 2000 of trafficking in crack cocaine, had more than $2,000 on him when he was arrested, reports state. Kimble also had what police believe was a rock of crack cocaine and told a paramedic he had swallowed suspected marijuana before his arrest.
Pleaded innocent
During his arraignment, Kimble wore a sling. He pleaded innocent to charges of felonious assault, resisting arrest, tampering with evidence and felonious possession of drugs. He was released after posting a $20,000 bond.
As he was walking out of the county jail, he said police hurt his shoulder and his ribs.
Videotapes taken from two cruisers that were at the scene didn't show much of the arrest, however, police can be heard telling Kimble to spit out whatever was in his mouth.
Kimble was sprayed with the chemical repellent during the arrest and once he was in the cruiser he asked for water.
"I can't breathe. Please get me something to drink. I can't breathe," Kimble said, on the tape. "I apologize. I wasn't thinking. I apologize."
Kimble was taken to the police station and then taken to the hospital by ambulance for treatment, the chief said.
Investigations
Tom Conley, president of the Warren-Trumbull Urban League, said he is calling the U.S. Department of Justice to review the case. "I got to watch a copy of the videotape that was made of the arrest, and it appears that excessive force was used in apprehending him."
Kimble is black; the arresting officers are white.
The man who videotaped the arrest declined to give his name or show the tape to The Vindicator. He said he was negotiating with a national news organization for sale of the tape.
Mayor Hank Angelo and Fred Harris, safety-service director, said an internal investigation is under way.
"As much as we are concerned with the various aspects of the arrests, we are just as concerned with any possible repercussions in the community," Angelo said. "This administration has taken great strides working with the entire community to address those issues that could divide the community in an effort to prevent anything negative from growing from any single incident."
A meeting with local clergy and various minority groups was held Monday afternoon, Harris said.
"I wanted them to know what we are doing and to address any concerns they may have," Harris added.
sinkovich@vindy.com