By Police1 Staff
MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee officer has been suspended after videos of a use-of-force incident involving a man who assaulted officers during an arrest went viral.
One Milwaukee officer is on paid suspension while three others are on administrative duty after bystander videos of the LEOs engaging in a struggle with a man emerged Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
On Wednesday, Milwaukee police were called about a man who was suffering a mental health episode and behaving violently toward relatives and residents, according to WITI. Chief Alfonso Morales said the officers tried to talk to the 25-year-old suspect, who resisted and “actively fought with officers.”
When officers tried to arrest him, the suspect attacked an officer. The LEOs grabbed Lowe’s arm and tried to drag him to the ground as he continued to struggle with them.
Police said the man continued to throw several punches at officers before he was eventually taken into custody. He was taken to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries and will undergo a mental health exam.
The four officers were injured and taken to a hospital where they were treated and released, police said. One officer suffered facial injuries, while three others had swelling and bruises.
Several bystanders captured the struggle on video,. On Thursday, police released body cam footage that shows the man, who hasn’t been identified by police, attacking officers before the ensuing struggle.
Mike Crivello, president of the Milwaukee Police Association, said he doesn’t believe the officers did anything wrong and “did what they had to do to survive.”
Morales said the suspended officer was disciplined “based on some of the actions that were seen on video,” according to the Journal Sentinel. The three other officers were placed on administrative duty, which is standard procedure during an internal affairs investigation.
“I support the members of the Milwaukee Police Department,” Morales said. “The officers take tremendous risks on a regular basis. However, it is important officers abide by our training and policy.”