News Releases

Glendale police officer Gonzalo Zendejas is charged with allegedly assaulting a shoplifter at the Glendale Galleria in June 2021

GLENDALE, CA- Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Glendale police officer Gonzalo Zendejas is charged with allegedly assaulting a juvenile while police were attempting to detain him following a shoplifting incident at the Glendale Galleria on June 5, 2021.

“While police officers face an extraordinarily challenging and demanding job while working to protect our communities, this responsibility does not excuse actions that endanger others or undermine public trust,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This incident is a serious violation of the duty to serve with integrity and respect. Our office’s commitment is to ensure that justice is served, and all individuals, regardless of their role or position, are held accountable for their actions.”

Gonzalo Zendejas (dob 11/30/84) is charged in case 24CJCF03462 with one felony count of assault by a public officer.

Zendejas will be arraigned at a later date in Dept. 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On June 5, 2021, mall security officers observed two juveniles allegedly shoplifting at the Glendale Galleria. As multiple Glendale police officers responded and attempted to detain one of the juveniles, a struggle ensued and Zendejas allegedly kicked the juvenile in the head.

If convicted as charged, the maximum sentence is three years in county jail.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.