Caught on Camera: Was a Police Encounter Warranted?

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DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - You may not know it, but it is a violation if your license tag is not lit up at night.

FOX 5 News has obtained a police dash cam video that shows what might happen when the most routine of traffic stops escalates.

An attorney for motorist Herman Baker said the encounter between is client and two officers never should have gotten out of hand.

Baker expected to be handed a citation. Instead, one of the officers asked permission to search the vehicle.

The motorist stood there and did not grant access. A few seconds late, the video shows Baker attempting to run away.

Two police officers gave chase, using a Taser and tackling Baker. Attorney Henry Clerke called the actions unprofessional and the force excessive.

The police department declined to comment on how the stop was handled, citing legal reasons.