Video footage from an onlooker's cell phone captures a
Philadelphia police officer engaging in what at least one defense attorney
calls a clear case of police brutality.
In the graphic video, Marcus Warryton is hit repeatedly in
the head by an officer's baton, at least once while he's on the ground,
according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Three of the officers involved in the June 4 incident have
already been put back on duty. The officer who used the baton is still confined
to desk duty, pending the outcome of an investigation by the department's
internal affairs division, the paper reported.
"The whole investigation is not complete," Lt. Ray
Evers told The Huffington Post. "They're looking at the actions of one of
the officers more closely. When it's complete, we will release more information
on it."
Evers said the department never releases the names of
officers under investigation.
Warryton was charged with two counts of aggravated assault
and resisting arrest. At one point, an officer claimed Warryton grabbed for his
gun, according to the Philadelphia Tribune. Warryton needed seven stitches to
close a gash on his head and ear, the paper reported.
Defense attorney Michael Coard told the Tribune that the
officers' actions were unjustified.
"Did they cross the line? No, as far as I’m concerned
they obliterated the line,” Coard said. "There was a time when the police
had enough fear of the law that they would take you to a back alley with no
witnesses to tune you up. Now, even with video cameras and witnesses, even
helicopters overhead, they don't give a damn because they know the system
protects them."