L.A. District Attorney’s Office Will Not Pursue Charges Against Altadena Man Whose Leg Was Broken in Arrest by Pasadena Police

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has decided not to pursue felony or misdemeanor charges against Christopher Ballew, 21, of Altadena, who suffered a broken leg during his arrest by two Pasadena police officers on November 9.

L.A. District Attorney spokesperson Greg Risling said the case was declined Thursday “for insufficient evidence.”

Ballew was arrested by two Pasadena police officers during a traffic stop at a Mobile gas station on Woodbury Road and Fair Oaks Avenue.

A short video of the arrest emerged on social media which has sparked controversy over the police officers’ use of force.

---

Read initial report, watch video here: Social Media Video Reportedly Shows Pasadena Police Forceful Arrest in Which Suspect’s Leg was Broken

---

In the cellphone video, Ballew is seen wrestling with the two as yet unnamed officers for control of a police baton, and then being forced to the ground, punched in the face and struck with the baton, while simultaneously screaming at the officers to stop as they overpower him and begin to handcuff him on the ground.

According to Ballew, his leg was broken by one or both of the baton strikes to his right leg.

City officials have not yet clarified if Ballew was transported to a local hospital for treatment of the broken leg by Pasadena Fire Department paramedics, or by the officers in their patrol car. Ballew will not say, responding that he has hired a lawyer and won’t discuss that issue.

Ballew refused to provide the name of his lawyer.