Chicago DUI lawyer comments on the DUI arrest that got the cop in trouble

This Chicago DUI lawyer has posted here, here, and here about the need for videos in squad cars. Fortunately for the accused, not only was he not charged with a DUI because of the video in the squad car, the arresting officer has been charged with official misconduct.

April 16, Streamwood, IL

As Ronald Bell crouched on his hands and knees on his driveway, the Streamwood police officer started whaling away with his metal baton, striking Bell on his back.

Bell tried to block the blows with his right arm, but Officer James Mandarino then hit him on the head and arm — 15 times in all — until Bell collapsed to the pavement, clasping his head in his hands in a desperate attempt to shield himself from further abuse.

Bell was charged with resisting a police officer and reckless driving, both misdemeanors, and was issued a handful of traffic tickets, including driving under the influence.

But less than a day later, the attention of law enforcement shifted to Mandarino. A digital camera mounted on his squad car recorded every second of what Cook County prosecutors said was an unprovoked beating. The early-morning assault played out amid the headlights of the police cruiser as its windshield wipers swept back and forth in the rain.

Mandarino, a 15-year veteran of the northwest suburban department, surrendered Thursday to face felony charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct. Prosecutors said the attack left Bell with a concussion, extensive bruising and seven stitches to close a wound in his right ear.

Prosecutors dropped all the charges against Bell, 28, as well as his passenger, Nolan Stalbaum, 38, of Glendale Heights, who was also charged with resisting a police officer. The two had been driving when Mandarino gave pursuit for a short distance before Bell parked in the driveway of his Streamwood residence.

I think we can all agree the ending to this DUI arrest would have been decidedly different were it not for in-squad video.