Thursday, October 1, 2026
More than a month after four men were arrested during an incident in the West End in which police broke up a rowdy group outside of Minnesota’s, several residents continued to press city officials at the March 1 City Council meeting for more information regarding claims of excessive force by police.
City Manager Charles Theofan said one of the men filed a complaint with his office following the Jan. 22 incident, during which four men were arrested as police responded to complaints about a large group of unruly revelers at New Hampshire and West Beech streets at around 4 a.m.
The men - Eduardo Natal, Marlon Jones Guma, Scott Fowler and James Moriarty Jr. - pleaded not guilty in Long Beach City Court to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and other minor violations, and were released on their own recognizance. Chris Graziano, an attorney for Natal, claims that his client sustained injuries during the arrest and that officers used excessive force.
According to police reports, however, Natal allegedly took a swing at an officer, a claim that Graziano has disputed, emphasizing that no assault charges were filed against his client.
The police reports also say that Fowler is alleged to have "intentionally" pushed and scratched an officer; Guma allegedly cursed at officers and refused to leave the area, and Moriarty allegedly banged on a police vehicle while a suspect was in custody. Police strongly dispute accusations of any misconduct.
Resident James Hutchinson asked Theofan what steps, if any, were being taken to address allegations of excessive force by police following the complaint.
“ … [He] came forward and made certain allegations and is looking for me to investigate them which I have every intention of doing,” said Theofan, who did not disclose the name of the man who filed the complaint. “I am in the process of drafting a response to the young man that wrote to me and I’m pleased that he did reach out to me.”
