KCBS Becomes Big Part of Former LA Cop Manhunt Story

As the Manhunt for former LA Cop Chris Dorner continues to become even a bigger story, KCBS got a big "get" on Saturday's 5 PM newscast.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck called in WCBS anchor Pat Harvey for an exclusive interview in which Beck said he would take a look at some of the allegations of racism made by disgraced ex-cop Christopher Dorner.

LA Observed writes that the interview ran at the top of the 5 p.m. news. Beck told Harvey that his motive in re-opening the case that led to Dorner's firing was to keep the department's trust among African-Americans. "I'm not doing this to appease Dorner," Beck said. He did say that Dorner could safely surrender just by calling 911 if he does not pose any deadly threat to officers.

When Harvey asked why Beck chose her for the sit-down, the chief cited the CBS2 anchor's respect in the African-American community. Harvey is black. Also, Beck said, "we have a good relationship."

Beck was contrite about the shootings of two LA Times news carriers in Torrance the other morning. He said there were young officers in the field facing extraordinary pressures from a gunman targeting police. "I thank god the women were not killed," Beck said. I publicly apologize for what happened."

Harvey said after the interview that Beck's daughter had gone to school with Monica Quan, the woman that police believe Dorner killed in Irvine in an act of revenge against the LAPD. Quan's father was a former commander who had represented Dorner in the Board of Rights process that led to his firing from the department.