The Fresno Police Department launches an internal investigation after a video, obtained exclusively by KSEE 24 News, shows two officers beating a homeless man during an arrest.
Warning: this video may be disturbing to some viewers.
This is the video responsible for launching an internal investigation into these two Fresno Police officers, seen here repeatedly punching 52-year-old Glen Beaty, a homeless man, who police say resisted arrest.
Amateur Videographer: "I don't think anybody should be beat like that, they don't beat dogs and let you get away with it."
The man who handed the video to KSEE 24 news on Tuesday morning, says he captured it with his video camera, because he said what he was witnessing at the time, just didn't make sense...
Friends of Beaty say they too, find it hard to believe.
Friend of Beaty: "Knowing the guy and being here as long as I’ve been here, I don’t think he would do anything to upset an officer that bad."
Tuesday night, we played the video for Criminal Defense Attorney, Daniel Bacon, who called the video disturbing and the police officer's behavior, inexcusable.
Bacon said he believes that in this particular case, Beaty not only has a valid defense, but perhaps a meritorious lawsuit.
Daniel bacon, Attorney at Law: "These incidents occur more than the public wants to believe they do, and it's only through things like this that people will actually see and their eyes will tell them what has happened. Otherwise it's just a homeless man saying he was brutalized by the police and that you know and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee."
But Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says Glen Beaty is a man with a proven history of violence... Before Monday’s arrest, 3 prior law enforcement contacts, including resisting arrest and injuring a sheriff's deputy.
Dyer says Beaty was ultimately arrested Monday on a felony warrant.
The police chief says until a full investigation, into the incident is complete he can't form any opinions.
Adding what may seem disturbing to most on the surface, may not be considered an excessive use of force in the end.
Because of what he says, detailed police reports state happened, leading up to Beaty's arrest.
Jerry Dyer, Fresno Police Chief: "One of the officers was punched by the suspect in the arm. The officer had his badge ripped off of his shirt. There was also an attempt to jab the officer in the arm with a pen that the suspect had taken from the officer’s shirt.”
Police Chief Jerry Dyer says both officers involved in the arrest of Beaty have been placed on limited duty, pending an internal investigation.
Chief Dyer says the officers chose not to "taze" Beaty because he was wearing a heavy jacket at the time, adding it would not have produced the desired outcome.
The investigation into the incident is already gaining nationwide attention.
For Preston Phillips’ full story, click on the video link above.
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