Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Los Angeles, Apr 17, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Former Los Angeles police chief Daryl Gates, who is remembered in the public memory for his dealing of the Rodney King beating and the subsequent riots, passed away on Friday. The former police officer, who retired from his services in 1992, was 83 years old at the time of his death.

According to a statement that has been released by Los Angeles Police Department, it has been revealed that Daryl Gates breathed his last at his Dana Point, California home in the presence of his family members. A family member of the former cop has earlier stated that Daryl Gates was suffering from bladder cancer and ultimately succumbed to his condition on Friday.

Daryl Gates, who assumed responsibilities as the chief of Los Angeles Police Department in the year 1978, was known for his uncompromising ways and had earned a name for himself as one of the most prominent figures of modern law enforcement. His tenure as the Los Angeles police chief for a period of fourteen years was significant as the city witnessed turbulent times during that era owing to a sudden increase well-armed gangs, illegal drug trade as well as racial differences.

Daryl Gates had been at the receiving end of extensive criticism after a black parolee Rodney King was arrested and was brutally beaten by the Los Angeles police. The incident was caught on camera and was highlighted as proof of LAPD’s racism. This was later followed by one of the worst riots in the history of the city resulting in the death of around 53 people. This consequently created extensive pressure on Daryl Gates to resign, who ultimately left his job the same year.