Saint Paul Police Officer Who Kicked Man 'No Longer Employed' by the Department

Last week, the Saint Paul Police Department released a graphic video showing a police officer kicking a man and a K-9 bitting him in a case of mistaken identity. The Saint Paul police chief issued an apology for the incident Friday.

On Monday, the department issued a clarifying statement noting that the officer who kicked the victim is "no longer employed by the Saint Paul Police Department."

Mr. Brett Palkowitsch is no longer employed by the Saint Paul Police Department. We can confirm that there is a complaint and open investigation. State law does not allow me to provide details about the complaint or the investigation.

Police also announced that Officer Brian Ficcadenti has received a 30-day unpaid suspension, effective Thursday, Nov. 3.

The Pioneer Press reported that the victim, a 52-year-old man, spent at least two weeks in the hospital with multiple broken ribs and both of his lungs collapsed, according to the man's attorney.

"I’m disappointed and upset by what the video shows. As a person who cares deeply about other people, I am profoundly saddened," Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell said in a statement released Friday.

"When I became chief, I promised to do everything possible to ensure that the people we serve have faith in their police department. I want you all to know that the video does not reflect the way we strive to do our jobs—day in, day out. This is not the Saint Paul way."

Axtell said officials are "responding to these types of incidents with transparency, firmness and an unflinching dedication to doing what’s right."

"We have a great department and great cops. When the wrong thing happens, we are absolutely committed to being the best police department possible."

After the incident occurred, Axtell met with the injured man and apologized to him on behalf of his entire department. He said he assured him that a full review was being conducted and that his department "will learn from this."

Advisory: The violent scene in this video may be disturbing.

Image via YouTube