A Hanford police officer has been arrested and charged with using excessive force that led to the death of a man.

Kings County Sheriff David Robinson and District Attorney Sarah Hacker announced the arrest on Wednesday.

The backstory: Hanford resident Richard Saunders was stopped by Hanford Police Officer Brian Scandura for riding a bicycle with no light on Jan. 27 around 8:40 p.m. • Scandura placed Saunders under arrest. Robinson said during a press conference that Saunders was argumentative during the arrest. • Scandura placed Saunders in handcuffs and repeatedly told Saunders to sit down. Scandura then took Saunders to the ground by force, leading to a head injury. Saunders – who was unconscious – was taken to Kaweah Health in Visalia and died 17 days later. • The Hanford Police

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