Dec 5, 2007 10:25 pm US/Eastern
ACLU Questions Alleged Chase Takedown
The Officer In question Is Being Questioned By Superiors
Police Officials Haven't Released His Name
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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This is the alleged beatdown that occurred once the suspect appeared to surrender.
CBS
A dangerous high-speed chase that at times seemed would result in tragedy on Wednesday actually ended with what appeared to be a violent police takedown of the suspect by Miami-Dade Police; the ACLU and even the police department itself is raising questions.
As news television helicopters rolled, 36-year-old Angel Soto was seen running out of the Volvo station wagon he was in, with police officers behind. He eventually gave up and tossed himself on the floor, spread eagle. The first officer to try and handcuff him got on top, but the second officer that approaches him appears to punch him several times.
When more officers arrive to keep Soto under control, that same officer apparently starts kicking the man.
Howard Simon, Executive Director of the ACLU in South Florida wants an independent review panel to investigate the situation.
"They had this person under control," said Simon. "There were at least 4 officers all over this guy, and while 4 officers are all over him, there's this other officer who is punching him in the back and kicking him in the ribs. What is the purpose of that?"
Even Police officials were quick to announce they were raising questions about the matter.
Miami-Dade Police Commander Linda O'Brien said officials are looking at the chase video and analyzing it frame by frame.
"The initial assessment is that the officer acted inappropriately," said O'Brien. "We have a mechanism to deal with that. This case is under investigation."
Ironically the ACLU had held a news conference earlier in the day to discuss their agenda that an independent review panel should be created to look into Miami-Dade Police matters.
The officer in question is being questioned by superiors.
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