A Facebook video went viral last night that showed Akron police officers beating a man who was pinned to the ground. The video captured officers using chokeholds on the suspect, whose name has not been released, as well as Tasers and about 30 punches.
WKYC reports that officers are defending their decision, saying the suspect, was a wanted Cleveland fugitive and under the influence of drugs.
The video was shot on the 300 block of Para Avenue, and shows two officers trying to pin a man on his stomach. The duo struggles to do so, then deploys a Taser several times.
“You’re going to get [the Taser] again!” one of them warns him.
Several minutes later, two more cops show up. One sits on the man while another punches him some 30 times. Backup continues to arrive, and by the end of the incident a whole crowd of officers was on hand. Bystanders screamed questions at the officers, with one saying “Y’all can’t be punching him like that!”
“Are you fucking kidding me, can’t you see him riding us?” a cop retorted.
Looking at the video it’s really hard to tell if he was “riding” them, or if he was just recoiling in pain.
Spenn DeBabii, the recorder of the video, can be heard saying the man was a veteran that lived across the street who had just smoked weed, but wasn’t doing anything other than walking and minding his own business.
After the takedown, the suspect was taken to the hospital, but officers say it was from the drugs he was on, not due to any injuries from the altercation. As of publication, no officers have been put on suspension or leave and an investigation is underway.
You can see the full video of the encounter below:
This article appears in Oct 17-23, 2018.
Mr. cameraman doesn’t know how close he came to being arrested for obstructing police business by interjecting his legal opinion. He should also go back to school to learn how to count.
Another black eye…literally…for the State of Ohio…as this has been posted and viewed many thousands of times, all over the country. Aren’t you a little more proud to be a Buckeye today?
And Mr. Smith, you need to go back to law school to learn about freedom of expression and violation of civil rights. And in the meantime, before you get your degree, I hope a dozen cops clock you and pound the living shit out of you, before charging you with gawking and aggravated mopery.
He deserved it. Don’t fight the cops, especially a female, because when the males show up, you’re going to get beat up. That’s anywhere.
33 punches to the mid section? Aww, poor baby
Cops need stiffer penalties for brutality since they are held above the law the law should be more stringent on them as it serves them over the citizens they are supposed to be protecting from harm. “Use Of Force” policies are not being enforce and leadership will eventually be held accountable for breeding these mongrul’s who obviously feel they are supposed to harm us and not protect us. Just need the precinct # that is all
Unless he had a weapon pointed at someone, there is absolutely no excuse for the kind of beating they gave this person. None!
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