On Monday, May 5th (otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo), LAPD officers from the Rampart Division responded to a call at the 600 block of Paul Ave. in Westlake.
Upon arriving at the scene, police encountered ex-NFL player James Hardy, who “refused to cooperate with officers.”
In an effort to subdue Hardy, officers fired a taser gun at him, which had no effect. A short scuffle between Hardy and the officers ensued in which two LAPD officers received minor injuries.
Eventually, Hardy was handcuffed and arrested. He is being held under suspicion of resisting arrest in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Resisting arrest is covered under California Penal Code 148(a)(1) PC and is a misdemeanor offense.
In order to be charged with violating PC 148(a)(1), it isn’t necessarily required that one actually “resist arrest.” It’s quite possible to be charged by simply delaying or otherwise obstructing a public officer in their duties. Basically, if a police officer, EMT, or other public officer trying to perform his or her duties, and an individual willfully attempts to obstruct or delay the officer or EMT from performing those duties, then the suspect can be charged with violating California Penal Code 148(a)(1) PC.
The penalties for resisting arrest are up to 1 year in county jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, and/or probation. It is unclear what, if any, penalties James Hardy will face as a result of his arrest.
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