"They just don't look good to anybody. But, in this particular case, the officers were trying to get this individual who was combative, who was irrational," said Long Beach Police Sgt. Aaron Eaton.
"He needs help and they wouldn't do anything. And then they turn around and beat him for nothing. That's not right. That's not right," said Lee Ann Hernandez, the suspect's wife.
Police are conducting an internal investigation. Santos-Lopez is in the hospital. His family plans to sue; they say he suffers from mental illness.
Police say Santos-Lopez may also face charges for battery and resisting arrest.
