Crime & Safety
Video Shows Elizabeth Officer Choking, Dragging Handcuffed Man
Elizabeth Officer Edward Shields was indicted on simple assault in connection with the arrest of a City man. He has since been suspended.
ELIZABETH, NJ — An Elizabeth Police officer, who was indicted on Friday, is seen hitting, choking and dragging a handcuffed man while at headquarters in a video released by the man's law firm.
Viewer discretion is advised as the video is graphic and violent.
Elizabeth Police Officer Edward Shields was indicted on Friday for simple assault, Union County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Mark Spivey confirmed.
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The charge was made in connection with the arrest of Raul Tornes, 27, of Elizabeth on Sept. 29, 2017, who was brought into headquarters for arguing with his girlfriend, Tornes's attorney Josh McMahon told NJ.com.
The edited video that was provided to provided to NJ Advance Media looks to have been provided and edited by McMahon's law firm, Schiller McMahon, as its name is seen watermarked in the bottom right-hand corner.
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In the edited video (posted below), it recounts a timeline of events and shows Tornes being dragged by his handcuffs then being held in a chokehold by an officer.
Tornes is then heard yelling "I'm not resisting" multiple times as he is brought to the ground.
"What the f--- I can't breathe. I have problems with my shoulder," Tornes says.
He is then dragged from the roll call room through police headquarters past two open holding cells before he is "shoved into lockers before Shields strikes the handcuffed victim in the head with a closed fist," according to the video.
Tornes is reportedly kneed in the head several times, according to the video.
Tornes charges, for reportedly arguing with his girlfriend, were later dismissed, according to a letter sent to McMahon.
Shields reportedly has been suspended without pay. He had served on the department for about 10 years, Ruby Contreras, Elizabeth Police Department Spokeswoman told Patch.
Viewer discretion is advised as the video is graphic and violent:
(Image and video via NJ.com/YouTube)
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