Coronavirus News: Officer punched in face during violent arrest in Brooklyn, police say

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Officer allegedly punched in face during arrest in NYC
The NYPD is investigating a violent arrest in Brooklyn that was caught on camera.

EAST NEW YORK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- The NYPD is investigating a violent arrest in Brooklyn that was caught on camera.

The incident happened on Sunday in East New York, where police approached a group of people who were not properly social distancing in front of a building.

Officers say a suspect walked away from the group and tried to enter a police car.

When a sergeant tried to stop him, that's when the suspect allegedly punched the officer.

Surveillance video shows several officers jump in to arrest the suspect.

"When officers approach a crowd for whatever the reason, work with the officers," NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said. "We commit to work with the community but one thing we cannot have is -- we cannot have individuals having physical contact with our officers."

The suspect faces several charges, including resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

The incident is under investigation.

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