June 3, 2024

GLENDALE, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed a charge of assault under the color of authority against Glendale Police Officer Gonzalo Zendejas.

The filing was based on an incident that occurred Saturday, June 5, 2021, when Glendale Police Officers responded to an in-progress retail burglary involving multiple suspects inside a Glendale
Galleria store. Officers were able to locate the suspects before they left the mall. When officers attempted to detain one suspect, he resisted, and a struggle ensued. Officers used force to subdue the male and arrested him.

Due to the details surrounding the incident, the Glendale Police Department immediately began an internal investigation. All officers involved in the use of force were placed on administrative leave. Simultaneously, the Glendale Police Department requested the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for a thorough and transparent review of the incident, including any potential criminal actions.

The Glendale Police Department's internal administrative investigation remains ongoing, as the outcome was pending the completion of the criminal investigation.

From the onset of this investigation, the Glendale Police Department has provided the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with all reports, statements, audio, and video to aid in their process. This was done to be fully transparent and assist in a complete and thorough investigation of the facts and evidence surrounding the incident.

The Glendale Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in service and ensuring those we encounter daily are treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism,
regardless of their background or circumstances.

For questions regarding the details of the criminal filing, please contact the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office at (213) 974-3512 or refer to their Press Release at da.lacounty.gov.

About the Glendale Police Department
Established in 1906, the Glendale Police Department is a full-service police department with approximately 250 sworn officers, and nearly 400 total employees. The Glendale Police Department
is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services through proactive policing, professionalism, and community partnerships.

Assignments include Patrol, Traffic, Investigations Bureau, Narcotics, SWAT, Motorcycles, K-9, School Resource Officer, Custody, Dispatch, and Air Support. Police Department responsibilities
include 9-1-1 emergency response, proactive law enforcement, traffic enforcement and collision investigation, crime investigation and case preparation, community and school policing, and
administration of the city jail facility.

For more information, visit GlendaleCA.gov/Police or follow @GlendalePoliceDept on Instagram and @GlendalePD on Facebook and X.

Media Contact: Sgt. Abramyan | Office: 818-937-8888 | Email: GPDPIO@GlendaleCA.gov