Kelly Thomas beating death: Another officer out of job

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- One of the six Fullerton police officers involved in the arrest of a mentally ill homeless man who later died is now out of a job.

Fullerton police told Eyewitness News that as of Monday, Joe Wolfe is no longer working for the department.

Surveillance video captured the confrontation between Kelly Thomas and six Fullerton police officers on July 5, 2011. Thomas, a schizophrenic homeless man, died days later from his injuries.

Wolfe was the officer seen on the controversial surveillance video approaching Thomas with his baton drawn.

It was unclear whether Wolfe was fired or if he resigned. He had worked for the Fullerton Police Department since January 1999. He has not been charged in Thomas' death.

Ron Thomas, the father of Kelly Thomas, said he wants charges brought against Wolfe.

Wolfe is the second officer to leave the department since the Thomas beating. Officials said last week that Manuel Ramos, charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, is no longer working for the department.

Cpl. Jay Cicinelli faces involuntary manslaughter charges in the beating. He remains on unpaid administrative leave.

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