Two NC Officers on Leave After Video Shows Beating

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Two North Carolina police officers are on leave after an 18-second video was posted on Facebook this past Monday. The officers were seen in the video chasing and beating a man identified as 36-year-old David Lee Bruton Jr. A woman reported the man threatening her at a Little Ceasars restaurant in Kinston, North Carolina. Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy informed The Kinston Free Press that the two officers have been put on administrative leave.

The insident comes as national unrest is growing in response to the Derek Chauvin trial following the murder of George Floyd which occured early in 2020. Also, Kim Potter, a 26-year veteran in Minneapolis has offered her resignation after fatally shooting a black man with her service weapon instead of her taser, an "accident" that isn't sitting well with a family who have lost a 20-year old loved one, Daunte Wright.

The NC officers were descibed as using "closed fist strikes" against Bruton. The Kinson police department is working on the investigation into this incident and also working with the immediate family of Bruton as they conduct their investigation, having an in-person meeting with the family.

As the public watches the Chauvin trial, now in the hands of the defense team as they work to find angles to chip holes in the prosecution's case, incidents like what happened with Mr. Bruton are gaining more attention. Protestors over the Wright incident have been showing a largely peaceful and emotional presence as they call for justice and for the charging of Kim Potter.

The video shared on Facebook is one of many images we see that further public perception of police brutality. The vide shows officers chasing Bruton until he fell, then converging on him with punches and restraint. Public calls for officer re-training, systemic change, and a complete overhaul of the justice system are growing louder with each of these incidents. Which, notably, are nothing new. This type of police use of force has been going on for decades, only now with the heightened community attention, people are videoing these events and bravely calling for change. Some of these communities have not felt empowerd to do so for fear of drawing attention to themselves. During the George Floyd murder, passers by became involved by shouting at the police, alerting Derek Chauvin and the other officers to the medical plight of Floyd, and recording the event, all of which is making an impact on the trial of Chauvin.

If you see something, say something. We've been hearing this from police and other security officials for many years, only now, it pertains to our public servants' behaviors as well.

If you see something:

• Record / document what you see to the most detailed ability you can
• Report incidents to local police departments or to a larger agency like the DOJ
• Be honest and detailed in your reporting
• Consider contacting the media

Public servants perform a very important duty in our society but when there are systemic problems that need to be addressed and changed, it takes time and the collective efforts of many. We can all play our part by paying attention and being willing to speak if and when the time comes for us to do so.

The Bruton incident actually generated 3 different videos in various angles. These records will be crucial instruments when the case goes to court (if and when charges are filed against the officers). The incident report does not say if Bruton had a weapon but he was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, communicating threats, and disorderly conduct. Information on his medical condition was not released. Bruton was processed at the Kinston Police Department and given a $500 secured bond.

Kinston and neighboring communities now waits to see if charges will be filed against the officers involved.

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