Video shows officers in violent takedown of man having 'unusual mental health episode'
Four Milwaukee police officers hurt while taking a man into custody during what they said was an "unusual mental health episode" on Wednesday evening are among several seen in video punching, kicking and using a stun gun on him during the arrest.
A District 7 spokesperson initially said the incident near North 51st Street and West Capitol Drive started as a drug investigation. An early Thursday statement from Inspector Jutiki Jackson said officers were responding to a domestic violence incident.
According to Jackson, the 25-year-old man was acting violently toward family members and others in the neighborhood. Officers tried to speak with the man, but he "responded incoherently" and attacked an officer.
Video obtained by WISN 12 NEWS shows several officers punching and kicking the man during the struggle to arrest him. At one point the distinct sound of a stun gun can be heard. Also heard are witnesses expressing disapproval on the treatment of the suspect, a man who they say lives with mental illness.
"He always has outbursts when he’s walking through here," said one man who asked to remain unidentified. "I think anybody can see that he’s kind of off."
The man taken into custody was moved to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and for a mental health evaluation, Jackson said.
Four male officers had injuries described as swelling and bruising. They include a 10-year veteran, an eight-year veteran and two each with four years on the force.
Jackson asked anyone with video of the incident to call 414-935-7360.
Police did not specifically comment on the videos witnesses had already posted online.
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