Video of Michigan Police Office Punching Teen in Squad Car Goes Viral

MICHIGAN – A video of a newly-suspended police officer throwing punches to a handcuffed teen girl in a squad car has produced worldwide anger and protests.

On Friday, a viral social media clip showed a female officer in Michigan beating a teen girl in the back of a police car, sparking cries from the Lansing chapter of Black Lives Matter, to charge the officers with assault, according to Lansing City Pulse.

The following video contains graphic language and might be distressing to some viewers.

The Lansing Police Department published its body-camera footage on YouTube Saturday, in which a police officer chases a teen girl wearing a lavender top and shorts through streets and backyards, commanding her to stop running. When the officer catches and handcuffs the girl, she breaks away, screaming relentlessly. The officer restrains her and walks her back to a squad car.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1139766999834218496

The teen is met by a female officer who helps carry her to the police vehicle, then places her inside, pushing her and commanding, “Get in the car.”

“You’re hurting my arm!” yells the girl, calling the officer a “stupid b****” while kicking open the car door and screaming. The officer strikes her unceasingly before shutting the car door.

On Friday, Lansing Police Chief Mike Yankowski spoke at a press conference. “One of our officer used a training technique, what we call a strike to the thigh…I want to also state that it is the policy of the Lansing Police Department that officers will only use force when it’s objectively reasonable.” Yankowski promised a “thorough review” of the arrest and asked for any witness footage to aid the investigation.

He also said the 15-year-old kicked the patrol car, causing damage to the vehicle. Both teens were driven to a youth home in Lansing.