Charges have been made against seven California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and a registered nurse in relation to the death of Edward Bronstein, 38, during a traffic stop. The charges emphasize the need for police accountability in order to maintain public trust and ensure public safety.
The seven officers that have been charged are Dionisio Fiorella, Michael Little, Dustin Osmanson, Darren Parsons, Diego Romero, Justin Silva, and Marciel Terry. Each of these law enforcement officers face one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault by an officer. Nurse Arbi Baghalian is also charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The incident took place on March 31, 2020, when Bronstein was pulled over on Interstate 5 in Burbank by Officers Osmanson and Terry on suspicion of driving under the influence. Bronstein was then taken to a nearby CHP parking lot, where officers secured a warrant to draw his blood. Although initially resistant, Bronstein eventually agreed to comply with the blood draw, at which point officers forced him to the ground.
Six of the officers are accused of holding a handcuffed Bronstein down while Baghalian drew his blood. Bronstein repeatedly informed officers that he was unable to breathe during the procedure.
Bronstein eventually became unresponsive, but he was kept in a facedown position for approximately six more minutes.
Around 10 minutes after Bronstein became unresponsive, the officers attempted CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful. He never regained consciousness and later died.
The CHP is currently investigating the case.