HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Two South Florida police officers are on administrative leave after a bystander recorded them beating a man with batons.
Officers Jaime Cerna and Richard Allen of the Hallandale Beach Police Department are now the subjects of an internal investigation. Cerna's police report says he fired two Taser shots, but switched to his baton when they appeared to be ineffective.
We are aware of the video that was released to the media today. We ask the public and media to remain patient while we conduct a thorough and objective internal affairs investigation. We also would like the opportunity to obtain all video surveillance from the area.
— Hallandale Beach PD (@HallandaleBchPD) May 31, 2018
Police say they were arresting Daniel Dunkelberger on suspicion of burglary.
The video shows a strike to the head and a strike after Dunkelberger is on the ground. The Miami Herald reports the confrontation happened Wednesday.
The bystander who posted the video to Twitter says Dunkelberger is known to be mentally challenged.
City Manager Roger Carlton said at a news conference Thursday that what happened is "of serious concern."