A Clayton County police officer is under investigation after a video surfaced on Facebook that appeared to show him kick a suspect, who was allegedly on methamphetamine and resisting arrest, authorities said.
The officer, who has not been identified, appears to run and kick Guillermo Mansero, 20, of Jonesboro, who was on the ground while being detained in a struggle with a fellow officer and a good Samaritan, the video, obtained by Channel 2 Action News, shows. A Taser had been used on Mansero prior to the struggle.
Police Chief Kevin Roberts told Channel 2 he has “expedited” his department’s use-of-force review regarding the incident.
“The officer upon arrival felt that he could see the offender lifting both the good Samaritan and the previous officer off the ground and was not responding to orders to comply,” Roberts said. “He felt the need to administer the kicks as a pain compliance measure that proved ineffective.”
The officers were called to the Arrowhead Shopping Plaza off Tara Boulevard after Mansero used an electrical-type cable as a whip inside the American Deli restaurant, damaging property and striking at least one person, according to a Clayton County police news release.
Mansero used the same cable to whip a patrol car before the video starts. Roberts said Mansero tested positive for meth after being arrested.
Roberts told the news station he wasn’t prepared to say whether the kicks were justified, but he said kicks are allowed under department policy in some circumstances.
Mansero went to a local hospital before being taken to the Clayton County Jail. He faces charges of battery, two counts of battery on a police officer, two counts of simple battery on an officer, interference with government property, felony obstruction and criminal damage to property, according to jail records.
The officer, who Roberts said has a good record within the department, is still working the streets. He declined Channel 2’s request for comment.
The chief said he wants to find the good Samaritan who jumped in to help the first officer so he can thank him.
Anyone with information is asked to call Clayton County police at 770-477-3648.
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