A California sheriff's deputy was placed on leave after video shows him kicking a suspect in the head during an arrest
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- A San Bernardino deputy was put on leave after seen on video kicking a man in the head during an arrest.
- Footage of the incident obtained by TMZ shows an officer kick the suspect, who is laying on the ground, twice.
- Authorities are investigating the incident.
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A San Bernardino County deputy was placed on administrative leave amid a criminal investigation after being caught on video kicking a man in the head during an arrest, according to KABC-TV.
The incident happened on Wednesday after the man, later identified as Willie Jones, failed to stop for a traffic violation, leading to a pursuit on his motorcycle, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Authorities said during the chase, he abandoned his bike near a car dealership in Victorville, California.
Footage obtained by TMZ shows Jones trying to duck and hide behind cars in the lot. He eventually puts his hands up and lays on the ground before an unidentified officer is seen advancing towards him with a flashlight, winding up, and kicking him in the head twice. Jones can then be seen being handcuffed and escorted out of the parking lot.
Police said in a statement on the incident that Jones received medical care before he was transferred to booking.
Undersheriff Shannon Dicus said the department was first alerted of the "alarming" video by a security personnel member who monitors the parking lot.
"It's unfortunate when incidents like these occur because it causes turmoil within our communities and equally amongst our deputies who pride themselves on providing professional service," Dicus said in a video posted on the department's Facebook page.
Discus added: "We take these matters seriously and want to assure you that a thorough investigation will be conducted."
Sheriff John McMahon said in a statement posted online that a use of force investigation is underway and the findings will be "submitted to the District Attorney's Office for their review."