Atlanta police internal investigation: Officers on camera kicking man
Investigation launched after Atlanta officers shove suspect
The Atlanta Police Department opened a formal internal investigation Thursday after a viral social media video surfaced showing multiple officers repeatedly shoving and kicking a man during a street arrest.
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Police Department is investigating an officer-involved incident after a video posted on social media raised questions about officers' actions during an encounter with a man.
What we know:
The footage, shared Thursday by the social media account Georgia Followers, appears to show several officers confronting, pushing and ultimately taking a man to the ground at an intersection near Center Parc Stadium.
Police said they became aware of community concerns after the video began circulating online and have launched an internal review.
Atlanta Police officials said a large, unpermitted group gathered Monday night at Hank Aaron Drive and Glen Street in southeast Atlanta.
Cellphone video of the interaction was posted Thursday morning on the Georgia Followers Instagram page, drawing widespread online attention and a vow from law enforcement to review the actions.
The intersection sits near Georgia State University's Center Parc Stadium, in the shadow of the old Turner Field.
Authorities confirmed at least four people were arrested during the response, including a young man wearing a backpack.
The case has been formally referred to the department's Office of Professional Standards for a full review of officer conduct.
What the video shows
The video appears to show a man standing in or crossing an intersection before an encounter with officers escalates.
What it shows:
At one point, an officer appears to push the man, and additional officers then move him toward a nearby sidewalk. Moments later, multiple officers take the man to the ground while attempting to place him under arrest.
The footage also appears to show officers holding Tasers during the incident, although it is unclear whether any were used.
Internal investigation underway
In a statement, Atlanta police said the case has been referred to the department's Office of Professional Standards for a full investigation.
What they're saying:
"The Atlanta Police Department takes all concerns regarding officer conduct and public safety seriously," the department said in a posted reply to the video.
Officials said the review will examine the officers' actions and determine whether any policy violations occurred. The department said any necessary action will be based on the findings of the investigation.
"Not knowing what occurred before he went into the street, it is clear he was not being aggressive, he was actually retreating," said prominent defense attorney Jackie "The Fly Lawyer" Patterson. "It appears that the officers just bomb rushed him. Knocked him onto the ground, he got back up. They rushed him again. About eight officers took him to the ground. Then you see one last officer excessively kicks him twice with his right leg. This is clearly a case of excessive force."
Patterson noted that department body cameras will reveal the full context of what occurred before the cellphone clip started. He suggested the man could have spat on an officer or tried to grab a weapon.
"If the suspect actually grabbed an officer's weapon or reached for his baton or reach for his OC spray, then that would have been justified because you have to stop that type of attack," Patterson said.
Patterson applauded the swift oversight response from city leadership. "One thing about Mayor Dickens is he is not going to tolerate police brutality," Patterson said. "So I am confident being the mayor of this city and knowing what I know about his leadership. He is going to have APD investigate this to the fullest because he's not going to tolerate excessive force. But he is also not going to tolerate abuse against his officers."
In a public statement, law enforcement commanders addressed the growing community concerns. "We are aware of the concerns raised in the video and want to assure the public that the Atlanta Police Department's Office of Professional Standards (OPS) has opened an investigation into this incident," the department said. "The Atlanta Police Department takes all concerns regarding officer conduct and public safety seriously."
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet released the identities or specific charges filed against the four individuals taken into custody. The department has also not confirmed if the officer seen kicking the man has been placed on administrative leave or reassigned.