York officers under internal investigation after hitting suspect during an arrest: police
York City Police's internal affairs division is investigating two officers after a video surfaced on social media showing them hitting a suspect during an arrest last week.
The video shows the officers struggling on the ground with Anthony Balbi-Reyes and punching him multiple times. He suffered blows to the head.
Police allege that Balbi-Reyes fought officers when they tried to arrest him on Friday, and he punched one of the officers in face, causing an injury, according to a news release. Police say he attacked a woman a short time before his arrest.
York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow addressed the video circulating on social media and the internal investigation in a statement on Monday.
"I respect the concerns that my community has, and I respect the difficult job my officers have to do," he said.
He asked the public to resist the urge to rush to judgment. The department needs to evaluate the situation based on the facts that are gathered. The officers wear body cameras that capture their interactions with the public.
Fighting in the street with people isn't something most officers want to do, but sometimes it can be unavoidable if it's the only or the safest option police have, he said.
"If our people were wrong, we're going to deal with it," he said. "If they weren't, even though some people might not like the conclusion or what the situation looked like, we're still going to deal with it."
Police spoke with a witness on Friday afternoon who said Balbi-Reyes was hitting a woman inside of a residence in the 100 block of West Maple Street. The witness chased him out of the house with a bat, the news release states.
The victim told police that Balbi-Reyes, who was armed with a pistol, entered her home through a window. They argued, and he attacked her, dragging her across the floor by her hair. He took her phone and glasses before he was chased off by the witness.
Police say the victim suffered injuries in the attack.
Traffic alert: Popular shortcut from Route 74 onto Richland Avenue in York about to change
Officers spoke with Balbi-Reyes in the 100 block of West Jackson Street. Police allege that he admitted that he unlawfully entered the residence and "gripped her up."
That's when the officers attempted to arrest him and the use of force followed.
"Right now, I'm just thankful that we got the woman the help that she needed that day, and ultimately, no one was severely hurt," Muldrow said.
The officers remain available for duty, Muldrow said.
The internal investigation could take anywhere from a week to a month, Inspector Mike Davis said.
Loretta Claiborne assault: Police arrest man in attack on Special Olympics spokesperson
Police have charged Balbi-Reyes, 19, with aggravated assault on a police officer, burglary, terroristic threats, simple assault and resisting arrest.
He was released on $15,000 bail, according to court records.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York officers hit suspect during arrest, under internal investigation
