The Auburn Police Department has placed an officer on administrative leave pending a full investigation into a physical altercation.
According to a Facebook post by the Auburn Police, an officer was dispatched to reports of a man running in and out of traffic, and trying to enter passing vehicles on Auburn Way North at around 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 28.
The man reportedly refused to comply with commands from the first officer on the scene. The post said the officer deployed a Taser to gain compliance, but while the officer attempted to handcuff the man, a “physical altercation” ensued.
According to Auburn Police, it took four officers to control the man to put him in handcuffs and he continued to scream and resist after being restrained.
The report said the suspect did not appear to have any serious injuries but was transported to a local hospital, along with the police officer, for evaluation.
Going viral
A video posted on Reddit, Instagram and X said to be linked to the incident shows a male officer straddling a shirtless man in the road on Auburn Way North while repeatedly hitting him in the head. The man is seen trying to use his hands to block the officer’s strikes, but the officer uses his other hand to restrain the wrist of the man’s blocks.
The one-minute video shows the officer punch at the man approximately 22 times before he turned the man over on his stomach and restrained the man’s arms behind his back. Traffic continues to pass by, feet away, while the officer restrains the man. No other officers are seen in the video.
Statement from Auburn Police
Auburn Police Department public information officer Kolby Crossley released Axon body cam footage and dash cam footage of the scene to the public, as well as additional information on the man involved and the investigation.
“The Auburn Police Department takes all officer involved incidents seriously and treats these investigations with the utmost urgency,” Crossley said. “We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, maintaining transparency throughout the process, and ensuring fair treatment for everyone involved.”
After the man involved in the investigation was released from the hospital, he was booked into jail for investigation of non-felony possession of controlled substance, disorderly conduct, obstruction and third-degree attempted assault. As of Nov. 3, he had yet to have a charging decision by prosecutors.
The Renton Police Department will be investigating the incident to determine whether the officer may have violated any criminal laws. The city of Auburn will also review the incident for compliance with applicable policies and standards.
The Auburn Police, as of Nov. 3, have yet to publicly identify the officer, but stated his disciplinary history includes one self-reported vehicle accident in which he received “coaching and counseling.”