charged earlier this week with one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In a plea agreement filed on December 17, Benza agreed to plead guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Benza is expected to appear in court in the coming days.According to the Los Angeles Times, Benza was having a heated conversation with a woman on the side of the road.
Brock, who was in a bad mood due to personal reasons, threw up his middle finger while driving by the deputy.Moments later, Brock noticed a police cruiser — later determined to be driven by Benza — trailing him. Brock took a couple of turns, and the cruiser followed him. At one point, Brock called 911 and told the dispatcher that he was being followed by a police cruiser.“What is it that you want us to do?” the dispatcher reportedly asked.
“If he hasn’t pulled you over, he hasn’t pulled you over.”Brock cursed and hung up the phone. He then drove to a 7-Eleven on Mills Avenue in Whittier, planning to buy a soda before heading to a therapy appointment. It was at that point that Benza pulled in behind him and confronted him.
A store surveillance camera captured the confrontation on video.In his plea agreement, Benza admitted that he was responding to a domestic violence call in Whittier when he saw Brock drive by and extend his middle finger. He then abandoned the domestic violence call and closely followed Brock for 1.8 miles, intending to retaliate against him. Upon arriving at the 7-Eleven, Benza approached Brock and, without giving any commands, grabbed him.
Brock pulled away and said, “Don’t touch me.”Benza violently slammed Brock — who weighed about half as much as the deputy — onto the ground. Benza then positioned himself on top of Brock, punching the 23-year-old multiple times and pressing his face into the pavement.Brock sustained multiple injuries, including a concussion, contusions, and abrasions, according to court documents. He was also placed in a
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Assault
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