Police Officer Under Investigation For Striking Man Several Times With Baseball Bat During Arrest On Video

A south Alabama police department is investigating one of its officers after a viral video showed him repeatedly striking a man with a baseball bat during an arrest. The incident occurred Monday evening in Prichard and involved Officers Campbell and Brown of the Prichard Police Department. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation. Campbell, the officer seen using the bat, is at the center of the inquiry.

During a Tuesday morning press conference, Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner addressed public concern: “We want to make it clear that the use of non-departmental equipment in any engagement is a serious violation of our policy and procedures.” According to a Prichard police lieutenant, the officers responded to a domestic violence call at approximately 5:30 p.m. involving Devoris Jermaine Malone and his wife. Malone allegedly fled the home and forced his wife into a car, where he reportedly struck her in the chest and legs, demanding she drive.

The officers followed the car after the wife managed to stop it about a block away. Police say Malone prevented her from exiting, prompting Officer Campbell—who reportedly did not have a standard baton—to retrieve a personal bat from Officer Brown and break the vehicle's back window. Campbell then tased Malone. After Malone’s wife escaped, he allegedly locked himself back inside, leading Campbell to smash the front window.

When Malone was pulled from the vehicle, he allegedly resisted and was combative. “Campbell struck Malone multiple times with the bat,” the lieutenant stated, including several blows after Malone was on the ground, just as backup officers arrived.

Malone now faces charges of resisting arrest, unlawful imprisonment, third-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree domestic violence. Police are also seeking a first-degree kidnapping charge, citing Malone’s alleged attempts to “terrorize” his wife and prevent her from leaving.

The Prichard Police Department has declined to release further information as the investigation into use of force continues.

Link: AL.com