Miami Police caught on tape kicking and punching armed robbery suspect after vehicle pursuit

[Terminator]

MIAMI -- A robbery suspect led police on a car chase Wednesday before crashing and taking off on foot, then was swarmed by officers who were videotaped kicking and punching him.
The Miami-Dade Police Department is reviewing the response, said Cmdr. Linda O'Brien.
"We are looking at this frame by frame," she said. "The initial assessment is that the officer acted inappropriately."
It was not clear which officer O'Brien was referring to, and the responding officers were not identified.
Police said that when officers tried to pull over a car matching the description of an armed robbery suspect's, the driver led them on a miles-long chase, weaving through traffic, crashing into a wall and fleeing on foot.
The tape, recorded by a tv news crew, showed officers pouncing on the suspect, with at least one punching him numerous times and another kicking him.

[gopherpuckfan]

I'm reminded of the illustrious Chris Rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2wOxnAiIVs
"Everybody knows. If the police have to come and get you, they're bringing an ass kicking with 'em."

[mack]

I actually saw this on my local station as it happened. It was being filmed by the news helicopter. When I saw what was going on all I could think of at first was "No, no don't do it the helicopter is right there!" But you could tell that the adreneline had kicked in after chasing this idiot through traffic, down one way roads the wrong way, against traffic, speeding in and out of lanes in an attempt to ellude officers, putting many citizens in danger. I did not see excessive force, but a few well placed kicks, I saw a few punches thrown, but I also saw these same officers regain control of their emotions very quickly. They were chasing an ARMED ROBBERY suspect. They had no idea if this suspect was still armed at this point. Of course for liability sake the Department has to investigate. But if they recieve any disiplinary action for this episode, it will be just wrong!!!

[adroitcuffs]

I actually saw this on my local station as it happened. It was being filmed by the news helicopter. When I saw what was going on all I could think of at first was "No, no don't do it the helicopter is right there!" But you could tell that the adreneline had kicked in after chasing this idiot through traffic, down one way roads the wrong way, against traffic, speeding in and out of lanes in an attempt to ellude officers, putting many citizens in danger. I did not see excessive force, but a few well placed kicks, I saw a few punches thrown, but I also saw these same officers regain control of their emotions very quickly. They were chasing an ARMED ROBBERY suspect. They had no idea if this suspect was still armed at this point. Of course for liability sake the Department has to investigate. But if they recieve any disiplinary action for this episode, it will be just wrong!!!

Agreed!! From the helicopter camera, the suspect's hands can't be seen. For all the minions know, Mr. Criminal is refusing to expose the weapon he's laying on top of... ergo, the need for pain compliance.

I hate it when the preliminary statement from admin is "The initial assessment is that the officer acted inappropriately." It seems like statements like that are only to appease the ignorant, and if the officers are later found to have acted within the scope of their duties, the "preliminary statement" will be fuel for the activists fire.

What the news should've said was, "An armed robbery suspect was spared his life today..."

[So Fla Cop]

Looks OK to me.

[armsmaster270]

He will probably try to make it another Rodney King and get rich---Asshole

[Pedro56]

Is it so wrong?

[bufford408]

I actually saw this on my local station as it happened. It was being filmed by the news helicopter. When I saw what was going on all I could think of at first was "No, no don't do it the helicopter is right there!" But you could tell that the adreneline had kicked in after chasing this idiot through traffic, down one way roads the wrong way, against traffic, speeding in and out of lanes in an attempt to ellude officers, putting many citizens in danger. I did not see excessive force, but a few well placed kicks, I saw a few punches thrown, but I also saw these same officers regain control of their emotions very quickly. They were chasing an ARMED ROBBERY suspect. They had no idea if this suspect was still armed at this point. Of course for liability sake the Department has to investigate. But if they recieve any disiplinary action for this episode, it will be just wrong!!!

I've been in quite a few chases in my time. I have never hit or kicked(out of anger/adreneline) a suspect. I wanted to a couple times but that would have lowered me to their level which I refuse to allow. I'm not saying these Officers are wrong, I did not see the video nor was I there.

[2525]

I agree with Bufford. We weren't there. We don't know if the suspect was fighting or if he was reaching for a weapon. If someone is desperate enough to lead police on a vehicle and then a foot chase to get away, he's desperate enough to fight.

[Cross240]

Thank god they dont have that technology in my neck of the woods. {forrest gump} thats all I have to say about that {/forrest gump}

[mack]

I've been in quite a few chases in my time. I have never hit or kicked(out of anger/adreneline) a suspect. I wanted to a couple times but that would have lowered me to their level which I refuse to allow. I'm not saying these Officers are wrong, I did not see the video nor was I there.

I agree completely Bufford, I don't think it is right or appropriate, and I agree it brings you to their level. But it was also in no way a beat down. They also need to realize that John Q. Public is watching every move and judging every cop by the actions of the few.

[vicat777]

I haven't seen the video as of yet. However with the fact that we have had SEVEN officers killed in South Florida in the past 4 months, I can see why this may happen especially if the suspect is still resisting. With all of the gang related crimes and violence towards the police that we have been experiencing lately everyone is a little more edgy lately. Please don't take this out of context, I am not advocating excessive force, but we all want to go home at the end of the shift.