
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 7, 1992                   TAG: 9203070010
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SIMI VALLEY, CALIF.                                LENGTH: Short

OFFICER DESCRIBES CALIF. BEATING

While black motorist Rodney King cowered with his hands over his bloody face, a white policeman cracked a baton across his knuckles, then pounded his head, a Highway Patrol officer testified Friday.

Melanie Singer, whose chase of King preceded the beating, identified Los Angeles Police Officer Laurence Powell as the man who bashed his nightstick into King's head at least seven times.

Questioned by Deputy District Attorney Terry White, Singer said she saw no reason for Powell to hit King on the head.

She said she and other peace officers are trained to avoid head blows because they often are deadly.

Powell's attorney has said he will prove that King was never hit on the head.

Four white officers - Powell, 29; Timothy Wind, 31; Theodore Briseno, 39; and Sgt. Stacey Koon, 41 - are charged in the March 3, 1991, beating, which was videotaped by an amateur cameraman.

by CNB