Glendale Officer Accused of Kicking Shoplifting Suspect Faces Assault Charge

If convicted, the officer could get three years in jail. The case involves a struggle between police and suspects at the Glendale Galleria in 2021.

The Glendale Police Department on North Isabel Street in August 2022. Google Maps / Screenshot via California Insider

A Glendale police officer was charged June 3 with a felony count of assault for allegedly kicking a juvenile shoplifting suspect in the head during a struggle nearly three years ago at the Glendale Galleria, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.

Gonzalo Zendejas, 39, is facing one count of assault by a public officer involving the June 5, 2021, incident, as police tried to detain the juvenile, according to prosecutors.