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From
KTLA-TV:
HOLLYWOOD -- A video posted on YouTube which shows a violent arrest of a deaf man outside a Forever 21 store is sparking outrage.
The retailer announced August 13 that the security guard involved in the scuffle with a deaf shopper was put on suspension.
"We recognize that the security guard used excessive force, which is against our store policy and have suspended him indefinitely," said Forever 21 Marketing Department representative Kristen Strickler in a statement.
The video allegedly shows security guards at the Hollywood Boulevard store tackling and choking a deaf man after he failed to stop when an alarm sounded as he exited the store.
His brother, who is also deaf, tries repeatedly to explain that the pair is unable to hear, and show the guard the receipt for the purchase (and tries to communicate using sign language), but he's not able to stop them from roughing up his brother.
LAPD officials identify the deaf male suspect as Alejandro Rea, and say merchandise from the store was found in his bag.
Authorities say Rea had a prior record of petty theft.
Rea was arrested and charged with robbery and shoplifting. He was being held in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility and posted $55,000 bail on August 16.
From KTLA-TV:
