What did you expect??? The criminal cop would actually be charged with a crime for beating the krap out of someone with a flashlight? Original Article Officer let off in beating Michael R. Blood Associated Press Feb. 4, 2005 12:00 AM LOS ANGELES - Prosecutors announced Thursday that they will not file charges against a police officer who was videotaped clubbing a car-theft suspect with a flashlight in a case that evoked comparisons to the Rodney King beating. The decision was denounced by minority community leaders and Mayor James Hahn, who said, "I do not agree with that decision. I saw what you saw." The District Attorney's Office spent five months reviewing the incident, in which Officer John Hatfield struck Stanley Miller 11 times with a 2-pound steel flashlight after a June 23 car-and-foot chase. "In light of the totality of the circumstances facing Officer Hatfield, we cannot establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Hatfield's actions were without legal necessity," Deputy District Attorney Margo Baxter said in a statement. Miller, who is Black, was beaten on the ground after he appeared to have surrendered. Hatfield, who is Hispanic, ran up and joined other officers who had pushed Miller down. The arrest, which was recorded by TV news helicopters, was compared by critics to the 1991 videotaped beating of Black motorist Rodney King by four White officers. The district attorney's report depicted a chaotic scramble to subdue Miller after the high-speed chase of a reportedly stolen car. During the chase, Hatfield's partner broadcast the "suspect is reaching for something under the seat." According to the report, another officer who grappled with Miller said he saw a small bulge in Miller's waistband and shouted "gun" during the melee. No gun was found afterward, but the district attorney's report said police could not have known that. Separately, the Los Angeles Police Department is reviewing the actions of nine officers involved in the incident. Miller, who turns 37 on Friday, has filed a $25 million claim against the city, saying he suffered brain damage.