A California police officer is under investigation for allegedly “manipulating” the body of a man who was shot and killed by police, Bakersfield police said Monday. Newspapers reported the officer tickled the body’s feet and grabbed its head.
Police officials did not provide details about how Senior Officer Aaron Stringer manipulated the body of Ramiro Villegas, who was killed by police in November.
However, the Bakersfield Californian, citing a police report, said Stringer tickled the corpse’s feet, grabbed its head and said he “likes to play with corpses.”
Police officials said in a press release Monday that Stringer was placed on paid administrative leave on Nov. 15, two days after Villegas was shot and killed by police.
Authorities said the incident occurred while Villegas’ body was in a room at Kern Medical Center after the shooting.
Senior Officer Aaron Stringer. Photo: ABC23
Bakersfield police launched an internal and criminal investigation into the incident and submitted the findings to the Kern County Prosecutor’s Office, which declined to press charges, police said.
The internal investigation is still ongoing.
According to the Bakersfield Californian, Villegas was shot after a car chase.
His family is being represented in the lawsuit against the city by well-known attorney Mark Gallegos.
According to the newspaper, Stringer arrived at the scene after the shooting with probationary officer Lindy DeGear and offered to let her see the body.
The newspaper later reported, citing a police statement, that the officer grabbed Villegas’s foot and said, “Tickle, tickle.”
Bakersfield is an oil and agriculture city about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.
National News Flash – April 14th