A shocking video has surfaced depicting an unidentified officer from the Reform Police Department in Pickens County, Alabama, using a stun gun on an apprehended man, who was reportedly facing a trafficking fentanyl charge.
The incident, captured in a distressing clip, shows the officer laughing as she deploys the stun gun, prompting swift action from authorities.
Disturbing Video Sparks Outcry
In the video circulated widely on social media, the officer instructs the man to bend over the hood of a car, directing him to stay still.
With the stun gun pointed at his back, the man, who remains unidentified, informs the officer about the presence of a firearm. Shockingly, the officer responds with laughter, exacerbating the situation’s tension.
As the officer pulls the gun from the man’s possession, she proceeds to use the stun gun, causing the man to cry out in pain. The distressing footage captures the officer callously taunting the man, asking if he wants another shock, and using derogatory language.
District Attorney Andy Hamlin revealed that the man had been apprehended on charges related to trafficking fentanyl. The incident raises concerns about the excessive use of force and the apparent lack of empathy displayed by the officer during the arrest.
In response to the video, Chief Richard Black and Mayor Melody Davis of the Reform Police Department issued a joint statement acknowledging the incident.
“The Reform Police Department is aware of a video circulating involving a citizen’s arrest on Dec. 2. The department is in the process of turning over all materials related to this arrest to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and has requested a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest,” the statement read.
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Officer on Leave Amidst Investigation
Following the protocol outlined in City Policy, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This move aims to ensure a fair and impartial review of the incident, maintaining accountability within the police department.
The disturbing nature of the video has sparked public outcry and renewed discussions about the use of force by law enforcement.
The incident underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to address and rectify issues of police misconduct, ensuring the fair and just treatment of individuals in custody.
As the investigation unfolds, many are closely watching to see how authorities respond and what actions will be taken to prevent similar incidents.
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