Surprise: Rodney King Shot Near Home

November 29, 2007 · Filed Under Crime, U.S. News · Comment

Rodney King, whose videotaped beating once made a symbol of police brutality in the 1990’s, suffered minor injuries after getting hit by a shotgun blast, according to Police.

An intoxicated King summoned officers to his home in Rialto, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, on Wednesday night to report he had been shot, said Sgt. Don Lewis of the Rialto Police Department.

“He had some minor pepper wounds that looked like they were from bird shot,” said Lewis, who described the injuries as “extremely minor.”

King told the Police that he was just riding his bike down the street when all of the sudden someone shot him with a shotgun. He was able to ride his bike home, but says he has no idea who shot him.

“King and the whole house were very intoxicated and very uncooperative,” Police said.

The videotaped beating of King by the LAPD, led to the trial of four Police officers who were eventually acquitted. The acquittal of the officers touched off the worst riots in modern American history. Nearly all of South Central Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas were set ablaze.

The city descended into an orgy of violence, looting, and general civil unrest that led to the death of more than 50 people.

King was later awarded $3.8 million dollars in a civil judgment.

-Chris Jones

Tags: Crime, Police Brutality, Rodney King, Shooting, U.S. News