LAPD Officer Temporarily Relieved of Duties After Video Shows Him Punching Handcuffed Man During Arrest [Video]

A Los Angeles police officer has been temporarily relieved of field duties after a video captured him punching a 30-year-old man, identified as Alexander Donta Mitchell, in the face during a traffic stop in Watts on July 28.

The video, posted on social media, shows the man, with his hands cuffed behind his back, asking, “What did I do, though?” before being punched in the jaw by an officer.

Civil rights activist Najee Ali, speaking at a news conference outside LAPD’s Southeast Station, condemned the officer’s actions and called for his arrest and prosecution, stating, “This officer does not need a badge or a gun; he needs handcuffs and a jail cell.”

The LAPD confirmed on X that the officer has been removed from field duties pending the investigation.  The names of the officers involved have not been released.