On December 19, 2022, Officer Brian Kolke stopped a 60-year-old man and placed him in handcuffs. Shortly after the handcuffing, surveillance footage captured Officer Kolke punching the suspect in the chest, which resulted in a collapsed lung. Despite the man’s evident physical distress, Officer Kolke and his partner, Officer Michael Klee, failed to promptly call for an ambulance, contrary to LAPD policy. Instead, they waited several minutes before taking action.
Following the incident, the LAPD inaccurately stated that the 60-year-old suspect was transported to the hospital due to asthma complications, omitting the fact that his injury was directly caused by the officer’s punch to the chest.
LAPD Officer Brian Kolke punches 60 year old man in chest leading to collapsed lung
