Video shows LAPD officer punch handcuffed man in Watts
A Los Angeles Police officer was under investigation after he was captured on video punching a handcuffed man in the face during a traffic stop in Watts on Sunday, July 28.
LAPD officials have not released basic information on the traffic stop, but said in a Monday tweet that a “use of force” incident that occurred in the Southeast division, which includes Watts, was under investigation and that an officer involved had been removed from field duties.
In the video taken by a bystander, the man is seen being placed into handcuffs and asks the officers “What did I do?” before he is struck in the face by one officer.
“He don’t got to sock him though,” one woman can be heard telling the officers.
The traffic stop took place on Sunday along the 1700 block of East 113th Street, according to activist Najee Ali.
Ali called on the District Attorney’s office to file an assault charge against the officer during a Monday news conference in Watts.
“I’m shocked and outraged that someone could be viciously assaulted while in handcuffs by a police officer,” Ali said. “An officer who behaves like that does not deserve to have a gun and badge.”
As of 5 p.m., LAPD did not release additional information on the traffic stop.