(Photo by Heiko Becker/picture alliance via Getty Images)
A video of a California police officer using excessive force on a handcuffed man is going viral. In it, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) cop punches a Black man across the chin and cheekbone while he’s asking about the reason for his arrest. Now, the LAPD has provided a public update on the job status of the officer involved.
This is a developing story. Names of the involved parties remain undisclosed.
According to ABC7, the incident went down on Sunday (July 28) during a traffic stop in Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood. A bystander video shows two LAPD officers detaining and cuffing a tall man wearing a white tee, red shorts, and cleaners. Bystander video indicates the arrest happened before nightfall and near the cops’ parked vehicle. Note that two officers were detaining the man: one, a seemingly white officer, restrained the man, and the other, a Black officer, placed cuffs on him.
Immediately after the detainee yelled, “What did I do though?” the seemingly white-identifying officer cocked his arm back and slammed his closed fist against the detainee’s face, slightly shaking him.
Meanwhile, his partner didn’t say anything loud enough for the cameras to capture. However, the arresting officers looked like they exchanged a sentence or two. At this point, the detainee continued to ask what he did while the bystanders encouraged him to consider suing the officers. Additionally, the man and both officers slowly shuffled around while they tried to place the cuffs on him.
It’s unclear how many people witnessed the police-civilian interaction. However, it has been a widespread story in the last 24 hours.
As of Tuesday (July 30), the LAPD says the officer who threw the punch has been “removed from field duties.” It’s unclear if this means he’s on desk duty or leave and how or if the status affects his pay.
Meanwhile, their office is “investigating” the incident “involving the use of force.” However, it’s unclear if the officer who did not hit the detainee will also be investigated. Additional details about the detainee and both officers are also limited at this time — and LAPD has not shared otherwise.
This incident comes on the heels of nationwide outcry for the in-home shooting of Sonya Massey, who called Illinois officers on July 6 for assistance. At the time, the 36-year-old believed an intruder had entered her home. Ultimately, Officer Sean P. Grayson, who had a partner with him, gunned down Massey while yelling demands about a pot she was standing near. He was subsequently fired and is facing charges, including first-degree murder.
A new autopsy report revealed that Sonya passed away from a gunshot wound sustained under her left eye. The report stated that “traces of gabapentin” were in her system before her death, which can be used to treat “seizures and nerve pain.”
Most recently, Sean Grayson’s former sheriff, Jack Campbell, addressed the shooting and viral demands for him to step down from the role.
