Use Of Force Investigation Launched Following PG County Arrest

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George's County Police Department suspended two PGPD officers and their immediate supervisor Tuesday after he reviewed a cellphone video showing one of the officers kicking a suspect he was attempting to handcuff at a Langley Park gas station, according to a police release. The officers will remain suspended pending an internal affairs investigation.

“I am sorry and I am angry. I am sharing the video in the interest of transparency," Stawinski said in the release. "During my tenure as Chief of Police, four officers have been criminally prosecuted for assault. This will be thoroughly investigated and in keeping with past practice, the findings will be referred to the Office of the State’s Attorney."

Following a preliminary investigation, PGPD determined the officer who used force had observed an assault, before he attempted to detain the suspects. Following a foot chase that concluded at a Langley Park gas station, the officer handcuffed one suspect. The video then showed the officer forcing the suspect to the ground. A backup officer arrived on the scene to assist the first officer. As the first officer attempted to handcuff the second suspect, he kicked the suspect. Both suspects were later released when the victim of the assault could not be located.

PGPD posted the video on its official YouTube channel (warning— it contains profanity):