Burbank Police Chief Clears Officers in Controversial Incident Outside LA City Council President's Office

After a thorough investigation, Burbank Police Chief Michael Albanese announced on Wednesday that his officers were not at fault in the incident involving a shoeless man who collapsed on the sidewalk outside Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian's office in June. Albanese addressed the Burbank City Council during a meeting, stating that the allegations were unfounded and that the officers had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

The controversy erupted when Krekorian accused the officers of "dumping" the man in his district. He released a video of the incident, which showed two Burbank police officers pulling over on a North Hollywood sidewalk outside Krekorian's office. The video depicted the officers releasing the barefoot man from the back of their police vehicle, removing his handcuffs. The man then stumbled, rubbed his face, and ultimately collapsed onto the pavement.

However, Chief Albanese argued that the video failed to tell the whole story. According to the Police Chief, his officers acted appropriately and did not violate department policy. He pieced together the events of June 6, revealing that the man was originally encountered naked on a bench outside Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. The man had been transported to the Burbank hospital by personnel from the City of Los Angeles.

Albanese described the man as provocative and difficult, referring to him as a "lost soul." He explained that the officers provided him with clothing, as the hospital was unable to do so. The man expressed a desire to be taken to jail, and the officers negotiated with him, agreeing to give him a ride to the Metro Red Line station, as his requested destination of Tujunga was too far. The man was handcuffed, but according to Albanese, it was at his own request, ensuring the officers felt safe in his presence.

During the drive, the man spotted a Starbucks and requested to be let out. He thanked the officers multiple times before they departed. Albanese also revealed that the man was not homeless and had never been homeless. A thorough investigation, including speaking with the man's landlord, confirmed that he had been renting a room in Sylmar for up to three years.

Despite the Burbank police investigation clearing the officers of any wrongdoing, the L.A. County district attorney's office and the California Department of Justice will also review the incident. Additionally, the FBI reached out but determined that the officers had acted appropriately after reviewing the circumstances.

While awaiting the release of an official statement from Chief Albanese on Thursday, it is evident that the officers involved followed the necessary protocols and the allegations of "homeless dumping" were baseless. The incident serves as a reminder that videos, while providing a glimpse into an event, may not always present the full context of a situation.