No charges for suspect beaten on video

COMPTON, Calif. -- Prosecutors declined to file charges yesterday against a suspected car thief who was pummeled with a flashlight by a Los Angeles police officer -- an arrest that has drawn comparisons to the Rodney King beating.

The district attorney's office said charges would not be filed for now because there were questions about whether the arresting officers would be able to testify against the suspect. But prosecutors did not rule out charges in the future.

Stanley Miller, 36, remained jailed on a parole violation, said his defense attorney, Mark Werksman.

Werksman said Miller should be released so he can be treated for injuries suffered during the beating on Wednesday after he appeared to surrender.

Miller complained of dizziness, difficulty breathing, and a swollen nose, Werksman said. Video footage of the arrest showed an officer striking him 11 times with a metal flashlight.

Police previously characterized Miller's injuries as a ''very minor abrasion" on his face. Sergeant Catherine Plows said yesterday he was given a complete medical examination after his arrest.

But Miller's civil attorney, David Nussbaum, said his client needed more treatment. ''The police or anyone can spin any story they want that he doesn't appear to be injured, but that's spin. Believe me, he's injured," he said.

Miller was released from prison in February. He has a criminal record dating back to 1994 that includes car theft, forgery, and attempting to escape custody. One probation report described him as a longtime crack cocaine user.

Three officers involved in the videotaped beating of Miller will be investigated for excessive use of force, Police Chief William Bratton said. A total of eight officers have been placed on desk duty as authorities investigate.

A police union representative urged the public not to jump to conclusions. ''In some cases, I think we've seen a rush to judgment," said Bob Baker, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. ''We want a complete, thorough, transparent investigation."

Meanwhile, dozens of activists voiced outrage over the incident at a rally in downtown Los Angeles.