Investigation launched after video shows Barstow Police officer beat suspect
A video of a Barstow Police officer using a baton to hit an uncooperative suspect during an arrest has gone viral and sparked an investigation into the officer's actions.
A resident captured a portion of the incident on video, shared by TMZ and FOX 11’s YouTube channel with the title “Barstow police officer seen on video beating a Black man with a baton during the arrest.”
Here's what we know about the incident.
Around 4 p.m. Friday, a Barstow officer spotted Gary Christian, 43, in the 1200 block of East Main Street. The officer confirmed through police dispatch that Christian was wanted for an outstanding felony, no bail probation violation warrant, police officials said.
The officer approached Christian and tried to place him under arrest, but the suspect refused to comply with orders. Christian assaulted the officer, according to police.
The officer used his Taser, which was ineffective. The suspect then assaulted the officer a second time. The officer responded by using his baton to hit Christian while trying to arrest him.
The 57-second video begins on a sidewalk, where the officer swings his baton at the suspect, whose arms are raised as he tries to defend himself while backing up.
The video shows the officer swinging twice at the suspect, then taking him to the ground in a parking lot. The officer hits him thrice until a second and third officer arrives.
During the video, someone yells, “Oh my God, he’s already down. Why are you hitting him?”
Back-up officers arrived at the scene and were able to arrest Christian.
Christian was taken to Barstow Community Hospital, where he was treated for cuts and bruises to his right leg.
He was later booked into the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Department’s High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of resisting arrest and a no-bail probation violation warrant. He is ineligible for bail.
Video response
Barstow police officials said they know that a resident captured a portion of the incident on video, which they have received.
"(Barstow Police) would like the community to know that a comprehensive administrative investigation will be conducted into this incident to determine if the force used by the officer was within Barstow Police Department policy and current law,” police officials stated.
Many video viewers condoned the actions of the police officer, including YouTuber thunderbolt, who said, “The cop did the right thing. He was resisting arrest.”
L A Devine commented on the video: "He was definitely resisting, even after down, as the other two officers had to help to restrain him.”
Others, such as Tigiste, said the suspect was not resisting.
“I mean, that's what their batons are for, to beat people..... the question is, did he actually do anything violent beforehand to justify the use of force?? Who knows, video is conveniently missing that part…,” Manga key said.
TMZ stated that the police officer beating an unarmed Black man with a baton during an arrest “echoes of Rodney King … but cops say this guy instigated it.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Jeremy Bledsoe at 760-255-5160 or jbledsoe@barstowca.org. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the WE-TIP hotline at 800-79-CRIME (27469) or wetip.com.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Investigation launched after video shows Barstow Police beat suspect
