Investigation opened by LAPD into video that allegedly shows excessive force

The Los Angeles Police Department says they've launched an internal investigation into a video that shows a handcuffed young man detained by officers appear unconscious. 

The video, aired by Fox 11 on Tuesday, shows officers standing by two men who are cuffed with their hands behind their back. An officer moves toward one of the men who identified himself as 20-year-old Taaj Williams behind a wall. 

The footage doesn't show what happens next, however, when Williams appears on camera a few seconds later on the other side of the wall, he is on the ground, limp on the ground. 

"Did he just knock him out?" A voice is heard asking on the recording. "He just knocked him out." 

The video shows Williams again on his feet, as officers searched him according to the Los Angeles Times.

Capt. Patricia Sandoval, a spokeswoman for the LAPD told The Times that the department began investigating the incident after it was made aware of the footage. Witnesses are being interviewed and investigators are reviewing video "to determine what did happen behind that wall."

Officers responded to the 4400 block of Inglewood Boulevard in the Del Rey area of the city after receiving reports of fights. The two men in the video were detained because they were suspected of being involved. Neither man was arrested according to Sandoval. 

Williams spoke with Fox 11, telling them that he and his friend were victims in the fight. According to Williams, an officer put his arm around his neck while he was handcuffed, and then "slammed me on my face."

A black eye was visible on Williams' face, who blamed it on the officer's actions. 

Read more with Fox 11


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content