The Metro Police Department is reportedly investigating an officer’s conduct after he was caught on video tasering an unarmed black man at DC’s popular U Street station.
The Saturday confrontation at U Street Metro station was captured on video by witnesses after it had already escalated. MTPD says officers on the scene were responding to a report of juveniles threatening Metro riders with sticks, however, the detained minors were released after police were unable to find any actual victims.
The department claims that the man who was tasered had interfered while officers were talking to the minors. Officers claim the man was “preparing to fight the officer.” But the Black Lives Matter D.C. chapter says the man was only trying to deescalate the situation.
Witness Che’mere Jones captured the video that shows the officer pushing and shouting at the man while pointing the taser at him before tasing him. Another officer helps throw the man to the ground while the first officer continues to tase him.
MTPD confirmed that the officer had tased the man, and said this happened “after [he] disregarded warnings to move back.”
Metro PD released a statement saying an investigation has been launched while the officers involved remain on full-duty status.
“Based on concerns raised on social media regarding the officer’s handling of the interaction, as well as the appropriateness of the use of force, the Metro Transit Police Department has initiated an investigation into the matter,” the department’s statement concludes. “Opened today, the investigation will review all available facts and evidence, including witness statements and videos posted on social media.”
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