Video: Investigation Ordered Into Swarm Of Police Beating Suspect

Francis Jared Pusok was arrested April 9, 2015 following a police pursuit in the Southern California desert by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

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A video that shows a swarm of sheriff’s deputies pouncing on a suspect and then stomping, kicking, and punching him as he lay prone has led to an investigation of the officers involved, the San Bernardino County Sheriff announced Friday

No wonder.

From the cameras of an NBC Los Angeles news helicopter flying above, at least 10 deputies are seen taking part in the beating, which appeared to focus on kneeing and punching the man’s head, with a good number of body blows and kicks to the groin thrown in. And this wasn’t one or two blows thrown during a few seconds of anger, but dozens of fists and boots striking the man over a period of about two minutes.

“The video surrounding this arrest is disturbing and I have ordered an internal investigation be conducted immediately,” Sheriff John McMahon said in a news statement. “In addition, members of the Specialized Investigations Detail are responding to conduct the criminal investigation.”

The sheriff announced Friday afternoon that 10 deputies had been identified and placed on paid administrative leave.

The video clearly shows the man down with hands behind his back as two deputies control him. One begins delivering kicks and punches. Then the second officer throws his punches. A third officer runs into the frame and delivers head blows. Then another officer and another and another join in the fray.

Soon, the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Francis Jared Pusok, is completely enveloped with uniformed men wailing on him.

According to the sheriff’s department, the incident unfolded after the agency went to a home in the unincorporated area of Apple Valley to serve a search warrant related to an identity theft investigation. When they got there, Pusok apparently fled in a vehicle.

“Deputies pursued Pusok through the unincorporated area of Apple Valley, the Town of Apple Valley and further into the unincorporated area of Hesperia,” the agency said in a statement. “Pusok abandoned the vehicle southwest of Bowen Ranch and fled on foot.”

At that point, the search for the suspect incorporated off-road vehicles and aerial support, according to the sheriff’s department. Just minutes later, Pusok allegedly stole a horse from a group of people in the area.

“He fled on horseback on dirt trails, through very rugged, steep terrain, causing numerous injuries to the horse,” the sheriff’s department said.

After the agency spotted Pusok on horseback, they helicoptered deputies to his location to nab him.

“Deputies made contact with Pusok and as they approached, the horse threw him off,” the agency said. “A Taser was deployed but was ineffective due to his loose clothing.”

Eventually, Pusok was taken into custody following the beating. Sheriff’s officials say he was first taken to the hospital “with unknown injuries” prior to being booked into the county jail.

Three sheriff’s deputies were also injured in the incident and taken to the hospital to be checked out— “... two suffered dehydration and a third was injured when kicked by the horse,” sheriff’s officials said.

Jail booking records indicated Friday that Pusok was being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on charges of fleeing from police, reckless driving, and theft.

The emergence of the beating video comes at a time when our nation’s law enforcement officers are under a microscope for their behavior. Another video released earlier this month shows a South Carolina police officer who is now accused of murder in the shooting an unarmed black man in the back.

Last July, a New York man died after being placed in a chokehold by a police officer during arrest— and a video caught the moment with the line now infamous around the world: ”I can’t breathe.” Eric Garner was allegedly selling cigarettes on the street.

Another controversial incident was caught on a surveillance camera in November. That case involved a young 12-year-old boy who was allegedly armed with a pellet gun when he was shot dead by a police officer in Cleveland.

Of course the most controversial of all recent alleged police brutality incidents includes the deadly shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, which ignited months of protests around the country.