Footage of several Milwaukee police officers piled up on an African American man surfaced on May 2. The bystander video obtained by the Journal Sentinel shows cops punching and kicking the man while he is restrained on the ground.
Recently released bodycam footage shows the man attacking the officers, who arrived on the scene, after relatives reported that he appeared to be having a mental breakdown.
According to KPVI, one of the officers is on paid suspension; three other officers have been placed on administrative duty. The 25-years-old man was taken to the hospital, and will undergo a mental health evaluation.
"On Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., Milwaukee police officers responded to calls for an entry and domestic violence incident located on the 3800 block of North 50th Street," Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said in a statement, according to Milwaukee Police News. "The call indicated the 'subject kicked her door in … she’s hiding behind a car … he has not been acting normal since the weekend.'"
The chief continued: "Officers arrived on scene, encountered the individual, and began a verbal dialogue with him before attempting to take him into custody. The individual resisted and actively fought with officers. Officers called for assistance and were eventually able to take the subject into custody. The subject is being treated at a local hospital. In addition, four officers were conveyed to the hospital and were treated and released."
Morales said that the beating is under internal investigation and that the district attorney will investigate as well.
In a separate statement, the Chicago Sun-Times reports Morales stood by his officers.
“I support the members of the Milwaukee Police Department,” Morales said during a brief news conference late Thursday afternoon. “The officers take tremendous risks on a regular basis. However, it is important officers abide by our training and policy.”
The man beaten in the video has not released any statements as of yet.
The bodycam footage of the arrest can be viewed below. Be advised–it is disturbing:
