UC Davis police chief put on leave in pepper-spraying controversy
UC Davis placed Police Chief Annette Spicuzza on administrative leave Monday in the wake of controversy over the pepper-spraying of student protesters last week by campus police officers.
The move by UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi came less than a day after she put two UC Davis police officers on leave.
"As I have gathered more information about the events that took place on our Quad on Friday, it has become clear to me that this is a necessary step toward restoring trust on our campus," Katehi said in a statement.
Spicuzza had initially defended the police action, telling reporters Saturday, "The students had encircled the officers. They needed to exit. They were looking to leave but were unable to get out."
Katehi has resisted calls by some UC Davis faculty members for her to resign.
"I take full responsibility for the events on Friday and am extremely saddened by what occurred," Katehi said in the release.
Ten protesters were arrested Friday in connection with an overnight encampment related to the Occupy movement. Video footage shows officers dousing seated protesters with pepper spray.
Eleven protesters were treated on site, including two who were taken to a hospital.
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— Matt Stevens
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