Los Angeles police are investigating an LAPD officer who was seen on video punching a handcuffed man, an incident that has sparked calls for criminal charges against the officer.
Authorities said the clashes took place Sunday at the Southeast Police Station, which covers 10 square miles in the Watts area.
In a brief statement posted on social media site It did not name the official.
The department said the incident occurred during a traffic stop but did not provide further details about the circumstances leading up to the attack.
A bystander video posted online showed two police officers fighting with a burly man, whose hands were tied behind his back with two pairs of handcuffs, standing next to a Los Angeles Police Department squad car. The man, who does not appear to be fighting with the officers, can be heard loudly asking: “What did I do?” before one of the officers suddenly turns around and punches him in the jaw. The man appeared to be unscathed by the attack.
The punch drew condemnation from several onlookers off camera, who can be heard demanding to know why the punch was thrown.
“You’re resisting,” an officer said as he led the man away.
“No, I’m not,” the man replied.
As the video began circulating online, a coalition of Los Angeles civil rights leaders and organizations began calling on Los Angeles-area attorneys. George Gascón immediately filed criminal charges against the unnamed LAPD officer.
“It’s shocking that this officer assaulted a man who was already in handcuffs. This was not resistance. It’s not like they’ve learned anything since Rodney King’s beating (which was also videotaped), said Naji Ali, director of the Islamic Hope Project. “He doesn’t deserve to be on the force. He should be handcuffed and sitting in a cell.
Ali said the incident happened in the 1700 block of East 113th Street in Watts, a few blocks east of the Nickerson Gardens housing development.
