Did a San Diego Police officer attack advocate for the homeless?

David Ross

This past  Sunday, a San Diego police officer allegedly grabbed David “The Waterman” Ross and, as Ross put it, “body-slammed me” to a sidewalk in East Village. According to Ross’ version of events, he was handing out bottles of water to homeless folks at around 10 a.m. near the Neil Good Day Center on 17th Street in East Village. Ross had his car parked and trunk open when a police car pulled up. Two officers got out and told the crowd that had gathered around Ross’ car to disperse. When one homeless man asked what the problem was, an officer grabbed him and pushed him up against a nearby brick wall, Ross said. When Ross asked the officer why he did that, the officer told him, “Shut your mouth” and flung Ross to the ground, Ross said. When another homeless man tried to help Ross, the officer threatened the man with a taser gun, Ross said, and then ordered Ross to “Shut up, get up.” Ross, who’s 69 years old, tried to get up, but couldn’t move his arm; the officer kicked at his foot and told him again to get up, he said. At this point, Ross said, more police cars and an ambulance arrived. Ross was taken to the hospital. His arm, he said, was too swollen for an x-ray, so he’s going back later this week. Until then, he’s got it in a sling. Ross said that the man at whom the officer pointed his taser was arrested.

When he was at the hospital, Ross said, two officers from the SDPD’s Internal Affairs unit came by to get a statement. Lt. Brian Ahearn, who heads Internal Affairs, told Ross that Police Chief Bill Lansdowne personally asked him to express his concern and acknowledge Ross’ “good work.”

SDPD spokesperson Monica Munoz said that the department, by law, can’t release any information about internal investigations. She said officers stopped their car because a crowd had gathered and there had been reports of drug dealing in front of Neil Good. (Crowds do indeed gather when Ross pulls up—I’ve been out with him several times. But officers usually drive on by because the majority know Ross, or at least know of him.) Munoz confirmed that one man was arrested for assaulting a police officer and that Ross was taken to the hospital. She said IA is looking into the matter based on a complaint.

Channel 10 news interviewed Ross yesterday. You can watch it here.