Former Montebello Police Corporal Pleads Not Guilty to 2014 Assault of Suspect

LOS ANGELES, CA - A former Montebello police corporal, who is accused of assaulting a tagging suspect on Halloween in 2014, pleaded not guilty Friday to a felony charge of assault under the color of authority.

Mark Jason Ryan, 37, allegedly slammed the suspect's head into the pavement while responding to a call of two men tagging in the 2100 block of West Whittier Boulevard.

Ryan surrendered April 13 and was released the same day after posting $35,000 bond.

According to a statement issued by the Montebello Police Department after the case was filed, Ryan retired from the force in 2016, but "no other details can be released regarding his employment or internal investigation."

A date is scheduled to be set June 17 for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial. If convicted of the charge, Ryan could face up to three years in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock