SAN FRANCISCO, May 10 (UPI) -- Two Northern California sheriff's deputies were formally charged with several felony counts on Tuesday -- including assault -- stemming from the alleged beating of a suspected auto thief in San Francisco last fall.
The Alameda County Sheriff's deputies face charges of assault with a deadly weapon, assault under color of authority and battery for the Nov. 12 incident, which took place in an alley in the city's Mission District at the corner of Clinton Park and Stevenson Street.
Prosecutors say the deputies cornered the suspect, 29-year-old Stanislav Petrov and beat him with their batons. The confrontation was captured on video.
Both deputies were expected to surrender on Wednesday and will be held on $140,000 bail, officials said.
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"When the police violate the law, it impacts the work of every woman and man in uniform," San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón said Tuesday.
The deputies may face additional charges, as well, prosecutors said. Allegations of a cover-up have also been leveled at the deputies involved, including claims of false statements, bribery and witness tampering, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The Public Corruption Task Force continues to investigate the matter.
Prosecutors said the video shows the officers striking Petrov at least 30 times in less than a minute, even after he sank to the ground and put his hands on his head.
"Mr. Petrov slowed down and began to put his hands in the air just before Deputy Wieber tackled him," prosecutors said in a written statement. "The two deputies then started to strike Mr. Petrov with their retractable service batons."
"During the beating, Mr. Petrov is heard crying out and saying, 'I'm sorry,' 'Help me,' and 'Oh my God,'" they added. "The deputies stopped striking Mr. Petrov when other peace officers from multiple law enforcement agencies arrived."
Petrov reportedly sustained a concussion, deep lacerations on his head and multiple broken bones in his hands. He may also lose the use of an arm.
A suspected car thief, Petrov was chased by the deputies following a vehicle pursuit. Petrov allegedly rammed several police vehicles before taking off, eventually crashing near the site of the beating.
Tuesday, Petrov's mother said she was disappointed and said she believes the charges don't go far enough.
"It's just a mockery," Olga Petrov said.
An arraignment date has not yet been sent.
