A complaint filed with the City of Mesa claims Police Chief Ramon Batista should be held accountable for not helping an officer during a potentially dangerous situation.
According to the anonymous complaint, Chief Batista was riding along with an officer on August 2. Late that night, they spotted a suspicious man trespassing at the light rail station near Main Street and Alma School Road.
The man tried to get away from the officer, who gave chase on foot, but Batista, in full uniform, remained standing next to the patrol car, according to the complaint.
"At no time did Chief Batista make any effort to perform his duty to apprehend the suspect and more importantly assist his partner," the complainant wrote. The writer urged that Batista be held accountable for "neglect of duty" and "cowardliness."
After the suspect vanished in a mobile home park, Batista did help secure the perimeter. The Chief declined an interview to tell his side of the story.
The Mesa Police Association, an officers union, released a statement saying the chief deserves due process, and they will reserve judgment until all the facts are revealed.
