Cop is charged after he’s caught on video punching inmate in the face and slamming his head into the ground

A Michigan police officer has been charged and placed on unpaid leave after security video captured him punching an inmate in the face and slamming his head on the ground, Click on Detroit reported.

The incident took place at the Warren Police Department jail on June 13. In a press conference, Warren police Commissioner Bill Dwyer said a 19-year-old Detroit man was booked on felony carjacking and weapons charges and turned over to the custody of Officer Matthew James Rodriguez, 48.

Video shows Rodriguez walking up to the inmate and punching him in the face after a brief exchange of words. After the inmate fell against the wall, Rodriguez pushed him, then lifted him into the air by grabbing his shoulder and between his legs. He then threw the inmate on the ground and punched him at least two more times before slamming his face into the floor.

Two officers then intervened.

“This is not what we do, this is not who we are, and this is not what the men and women of this department stand for when they put on the uniform,” Dwyer said, adding that Rodriguez was not wearing a body camera, which is a policy violation.

The inmate did not file a complaint about the incident, but Rodriguez’s fellow officers reported him immediately.

“This officer’s actions were not at all justified,” Dwyer said. “The actions of this officer are not consistent with our training, our policy, or standards or professionalism we hold ourselves to.”

Watch a report on the story below:

 

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.