A video captured by a local news helicopter shows several police officers punching (37 times), kicking (17 times) and striking with a baton (4 times) a suspect while he lie on the ground with his hands behind his head. Police also appeared to use a Taser on him (though they said it was “ineffective”). San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies wear digital audio recorders, which will be listened to as part of an investigation into the arrest of 30-year-old Francis Pusok. Sheriff John McMahon told the The LA Times, “It is disturbing and it appears on its face that there are violations of policy, but that will ultimately be determined in the investigation and to what degree.” Pusok has been hospitalized. The sheriff’s office said he was unarmed.
The beating occurred at the end of a prolonged chase, which started when Pusok fled while police were serving a warrant at a home. Pusok ended up 40 miles away, in a remote area, before stealing a horse during the escape attempt. The chase ended when he fell off the horse. Pusok lay on the ground handcuffed for 45 minutes without medical attention after the beating. The sheriff’s department says that two deputies were being treated for dehydration and one after being kicked by the horse …
