Two California police officers have been indicted by a grand jury on felony assault charges. The two officers allegedly beat Devin Carter, a Black teen who was 17 years old at the time, so critically that it left a bruise on his face.  

According to AP News, Tori Verber Salazar stated the two former Stockton Police Department officers, named Michael Stiles and Omar Villapudua, were both charged on felony counts of assault by a public officer and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. 

“This grand jury indictment reminds us all that when police use unlawful force, they undermine community trust,” she said in a statement. “As the daughter of a police officer, I know how important that responsibility is to restore community trust, safety, and honor to the profession.” 

The charges stem from the growing outrage in the U.S. over the continued police brutality against African Americans. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted for the murder of George Floyd.  

The Stockton Police Officers’ Association said Carter caused a crash between a police vehicle and another car, and when officers tried to detain him, Carter resisted and attempted to reach into his waistband.  

“In order to stop the fight and prevent death or serious bodily injury to Mr. Carter of the officers, officers were required to use bodily force to overcome Mr. Carter’s resistance and effect his arrest,” the police union said.