Investigation Launched After Video Shows DeKalb Police Choke, Taze And Aggressively Hold Black Man During Marijuana Possession Arrest

A video has surfaced of a white DeKalb police officer holding a Black man on the ground, choking him and using a Taser during his arrest for marijuana possession.

An investigation has been launched after a video of a Black man; #ElonteMcDowell was seen being brutally handled by Dekalb police officers for illegally possessing cannabis. McDowell agrees that he should be punished in some way but mentions that the officers’ actions were extreme and uncalled for. “This is what some police officers do, and you have to put a stand on it,” he said.

McDowell’s girlfriend recorded the video; McDowell says the incident still has him shaken up. “He has a pulse, right?” she cries in the video. “Can you guys make sure he has a pulse, ’cause look at his face.” “If your fellow officer or fellow mate is doing something incorrect, you need to be like, Hey! You guys just tased him, or you’re choking him. Stop that,” McDowell said.

Police arrived at the scene after getting a tip; the officers pulled the man over on Annie Glidden Road near Lincoln Highway. In a statement, the DeKalb Police Department said a “felony amount of cannabis was found,” and “McDowell attempted to flee…Officers attempted to restrain McDowell, who continued to resist.” The statement continued, “The DeKalb Police Department is reviewing all available video footage and statements regarding the use of force in this incident.”

According to ABC 7, it’s been four years since Illinois passed a law banning excessive force like a chokehold in specific situations. An investigation by Illinois State Police is ongoing. The DeKalb officer involved has been temporarily reassigned during the investigation.