Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

March 27, 2009

16-year-old Juan Vasquez shouldn?t have been drinking alcohol or carrying crack cocaine the night of April 18, 2008. But being beaten nearly to death by police is a disproportionate penalty for his behavior.

Three officers in the city?s gang unit ? Charles Porter, Luis Riveria, and Cameron Moerman ?caught Vasquez following a chase and handcuffed him. According to Vasquez?s brother Robert, the officers beat Juan with a flashlight and then took turns jumping on his back. They then taunted him for not being able to walk.

Juan suffered lacerations of the liver, severe kidney damage, and broken ribs. The Denver City Government settled with Juan?s family for $1 million. Detective Porter, accused of administering the beating, was acquitted amid suspicions that he had been made the ?sacrificial lamb? by the other officers, who testified against him.

No street gang is more dangerous than police permitted to use lethal violence with impunity.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.