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) officer punches a black man in the jaw and cheek as he asks him why he was being arrested. Now, the LAPD has provided a public update on the job status of the officer involved.
This is a developing story. The names of the parties involved remain undisclosed.
Here’s What Happened in the Viral LAPD Video
According to ABC7The incident occurred on Sunday (July 28) during a traffic stop in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Bystander video shows two LAPD officers detaining and handcuffing a tall man wearing a white T-shirt, red shorts, and carrying cleaning supplies. Bystander video indicates that the arrest took place before dusk and near the officers’ parked vehicle. Note that two officers were detaining the man: one, a white officer, restrained the man, and the other, a black officer, placed handcuffs on him.
Immediately after the detainee shouted, “What did I do?” the officer who appeared to identify as white raised his arm and slammed his closed fist into the inmate’s face, shaking him slightly.
Meanwhile, his partner didn’t say anything loud enough for the cameras to capture. However, the arresting officers did seem to exchange a sentence or two. At this point, the detainee continued to ask what he did while onlookers encouraged him to consider suing the officers. Furthermore, the man and the two officers moved slowly as they tried to put handcuffs on him.
It’s unclear how many people witnessed the interaction between police and civilians. However, it’s been a widespread story over the past 24 hours.
Los Angeles Police Department responds to viral incident
On Tuesday (July 30), the LAPD said the officer who threw the punch has been “removed from field duties.” It’s unclear whether that means he’s on administrative duty or leave, and how or if the status affects his pay.
Meanwhile, his office is “investigating” the incident “involving the use of force.” However, it’s unclear whether the officer who did not strike the detainee will also be investigated. Additional details about the detainee and both officers are also limited at this time — and the LAPD has not shared otherwise.
The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of an incident that occurred during a traffic stop on July 28, 2024 in the Southeast Area involving the use of force.
The incident is under investigation, and the officer involved has been relieved of field duty.
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) July 29, 2024
The incident comes on the heels of a nationwide outcry over the shooting at the home of Sonya Massey, who called Illinois police officers for assistance on July 6. At the time, the 36-year-old believed an intruder had entered her home. Officer Sean P. Grayson, who had a partner with him, eventually shot Massey as she shouted demands about a pot she was standing near. He was later fired and is facing charges including first-degree murder.
A new autopsy report revealed that Sonya died from a gunshot wound sustained under her left eye. The report stated that “traces of gabapentin” were in her system prior to her death, which can be used to treat “seizures and nerve pain.”
More recently, Sean Grayson’s former sheriff Jack Campbell addressed the shooting and viral demands for him to step down.
RELATED: UPDATE: Illinois Deputy Sheriff Who Shot Sonya Massey Breaks Silence, Heeds Calls to Resign (WATCH)
What do you think, roommates?