A Los Angeles Police Department officer has been removed from duty after he was seen on video punching a handcuffed man during a traffic stop.
A passerby captured the now-viral video around 5pm on Sunday in the 1700 block of 113th Street in Watts. Neighbors say the man collapsed moments after being hit. Video of the incident also shows the man being taken away in an ambulance.
The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement that it has opened an investigation into the incident.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of an incident involving the use of force that occurred during a traffic stop in the Southeast area on July 28, 2024,” police said in a statement. “The incident is currently under investigation and the officers involved have been removed from duty at the scene.”
The phrase “removed from field duty” indicates that the officers have not been suspended or placed on administrative leave, but rather have been assigned to a desk at the police department.
“Once again, we have witnessed the vicious assault of an African-American man by LAPD officers,” activist Najee Ali said.
Ali called on Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to immediately file charges.
Attorney Lou Shapiro said he expects other legal actions to follow.
“Even if something at the time triggered the violence, I don’t think anybody who has seen his video would believe it was justified violence,” Shapiro said.
Former Los Angeles Police Sergeant Cheryl Dorsey agreed that what happened before the video started doesn’t matter.
“That use of force was unnecessary,” Dorsey said. “It was excessive and he’s probably going to lose his job because of it.”
She added that she was disappointed but not surprised.
“The LAPD knows who the bad guys are,” she said. “Thankfully, this young man did not lose his life.”
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