Butts County sheriff defends deputies after arrest video goes viral
Butts County sheriff defending deputies
The sheriff of Butts County, Georgia, is defending the actions of his deputies after a video of an arrest went viral. Some people were accusing the deputies of excessive force.
BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. - The Butts County Sheriff’s Office is responding to a viral video of a traffic stop during which its deputies could be seen engaged in a physical altercation with a suspect.
What we know:
The sheriff’s office released body-worn camera footage on social media on Thursday, saying it showed deputies trying to handcuff a man who allegedly lied about his identity, resisted arrest and was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Chatham County.
FULL: Bodycam video of arrest of Kelvin Head
The Butts County Sheriff's Office has release more video of the arrest of Kelvin Head after a clip of a confrontation between Head and BCSO deputies went viral on social media. The deputies were accused of pulling over Mr. Head for no reason and using excessive force during his arrest. Sheriff Gary Long is defending the actions of his deputies, saying Head was refusing to cooperate and resisted arrest.
Sheriff Gary Long said the suspect, identified as Kelvin Head, was arrested on charges of giving a false name and date of birth, obstruction of an officer, and being a wanted person for a probation violation.
The sheriff’s office maintains that after the initial struggle, no additional force was used. Officials said neither the deputies nor Head were injured, and that Head would be transferred to Chatham County once he bonds out locally.
What they're saying:
In a statement accompanying the release of the body-cam video, Sheriff Long defended his deputies’ actions:
The sheriff’s office also warned that short clips on social media can misrepresent incidents and "hamper officers’ ability to maintain order."
Butts County sheriff defends deputies
The Butts County Sheriff’s Office is responding to a viral video of a traffic stop during which its deputies could be seen engaged in a physical altercation with a suspect.
The other side:
FOX 5 has obtained the cellphone video recorded by a bystander, who is not being identified, that shows the deputies punching Head multiple times during the arrest.
RAW: Video of man being punched in Butts County
A citizen has supplied FOX 5 Atlanta with video of Kelvin Head being punched by deputies in Butts County. According to the Butts County sheriff, Head gave deputies false information and was resisting arrest. The deputies are now being accused of excessive force by members of the community and Head's family.
Critics on social media are accusing the sheriff’s office of editing the official body-cam release and downplaying the use of force. Sheriff Long did not deny that Head was struck during the arrest.
Family members of Head told FOX 5 they believe their loved one was targeted and that the deputies had no reason to pull him over or to use force against him.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.