ALEX GARCIA / SFVS

People protested police actions at a family party in Pacoima. Some 50 members of the Baro family, neighbors and friends marched before the Foothill Division to denounce what they say was excessive force by police as they tried to shut down the party.

What began as a family party in Pacoima two weeks ago ended in a ruckus with several people arrested, and now allegations of excessive force are being made against officers from the Foothill Division of the Los Angeles Police Department.

"All the force that they used, it was uncalled for," said Walter Baro, whose 22nd birthday was being celebrated at his family's home on July 17 when the incident occurred. LAPD officials said the incident is under investigation.

Baro and an estimated 50 people gathered outside the Foothill Division on Osborne Avenue last Saturday to protest the officers' actions. Baro and eight other people, including his brother Imer, father Manuel and several cousins, were arrested at the party.

The incident occurred on Jan. 17 at 1:30 a.m. after LAPD officers arrived at the Baro home, near Cayuga Avenue and Pierce Street, in response to complaints from neighbors about a loud gathering.

"When [the] officers showed up, they told us to stop the music," Baro said. "We said 'okay' and then they said, 'you got to get everybody out in 30 seconds.' I said 'we need more time,' and then (one of the officers) said 'now you have 20 seconds' with a smirk on his face."

According to Baro, an estimated 40 officers entered the house and "started beating everybody inside.

They were hitting people with batons, they started breaking windows. We were not resisting or nothing."

Baro said he was thrown to the floor, and alleged that officers kicked him.

"They were kicking me on the head, my back, my ribs," said Baro, who now walks with crutches due to a left knee injury.

Baro, a trucker, said his injuries are affecting his ability to drive. "I can't move my left leg and I need it to push the clutch," he said.

Ramon Sanchez, 21, one of Baro's cousins, was also allegedly injured in the incident. He was in the backyard when officers arrived.

"They pushed me and I fell on some tables and chairs," Sanchez said. "They hit me about four or five times with a baton."

He said he was also struck with a baton on his stomach, even while he was trying to leave as instructed by the police. "I'm still sore until today. I'm having a lot of difficulties in my work."

Sanchez, who works for a Boeing Company in Gardena, currently has his right arm in a sling.

"I had no reason for them (the officers) to approach me like that because I was in the back and everything happened in the front," Sanchez said. "I definitely didn't do anything to them for them to treat me like this."

Sanchez was not arrested but another Baro cousin, Javier Rodriguez, 29, was.

"We weren't read Miranda Rights at all. No one could tell me why I was arrested. They just took me in," Rodriguez said.

Those arrested were booked for assault with a deadly weapon. All nine were all released after posting $50,000 bail.

"Being that this is the same division where Rodney King was beat, it's obviously something that is common," Rodriguez said. "I think they should have a six-month psychological evaluation on officers for them not to have that mindset. Not everyone is a bad officer. I know some honorable ones, but stuff like this is what ruins it for everybody."

Ramon Sanchez said officers beat his arm with a baton and Walter Baro said he was kicked by officers on his legs, back and head. The LAPD said one of their officers was injured in the head by something thrown at them from party goers and that they were simply answering neighbors' calls regarding the loud and large party. ALEX GARCIA / SFVS

The LAPD released a statement saying it is currently reviewing the actions of the officers.

"The LAPD's Internal Affairs Group is conducting an investigation. Part of that investigation will include a review of videos that may have been taken of the incident, interviews of involved parties and available evidence," the statement said.

In the same missive, the LAPD said one of its officers was injured while they attempted "to restore order and clear the party."

According to the statement, "when the first LAPD unit arrived at a home where a birthday party was taking place, officers were met by a large group of people, estimated at 60 to 70, who were causing a disturbance. As more officers arrived, people from the party began throwing rocks, bottles, cans and other items at the officers."

The statement went on to say that a call for help was broadcast by an LAPD Air Support Unit overhead. "One officer was hit in the head by a heavy object and had to be taken to a local hospital where he was treated for a concussion and admitted," the statement read.

"As more officers arrived, skirmish lines were formed to begin dispersing the disorderly crowd.As officers began moving people, more officers were assaulted and there were incidents where those in the crowd interfered as police tried to end the party."

The statement said an Internet video shows a portion of the encounter between LAPD officers and those attending the party. In the video, officers are shown in the skirmish line formation.

The video has appeared on You Tube and shows officers telling people to leave the party, pushing some and hitting a few with batons. Police are also seen entering the house where a commotion takes place.

Baro said his family has lived at the Pacoima residence for 12 years and has had several parties there. He said when neighbors complained in the past, the police showed up and issued warnings. "This time there was no warnings," Baro said. "It was pretty unfair what they did."

Besides the protest, Baro said his family is also considering a lawsuit against the LAPD.

"We're going to do something about this. It's a traumatizing thing," Baro said. "It's pretty bad for them to do things like this.

There was no respect for no one. I wouldn't want for anybody to go through this situation."