Video unclear in probe of police
Print
Email
Save
Reprints
Twitter
Share
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
LAFAYETTE — Video taken from a nearby downtown intersection camera shows little that can either support or rebut claims of police brutality involving the Sunday morning arrest of a 23-year-old Scott man.
The claims stem from the arrest of Shawn Ryan Broussard. Witnesses have alleged that Broussard was tackled, kicked, pepper-sprayed at close contact and spit on by one or more officers in downtown Lafayette. Afterward, he was flipped over and handcuffed and his head allegedly was slammed repeatedly against the concrete, according to witness reports.
The arrest occurred on Garfield Street between Dwyer’s Cafe and Marley’s Downtown. It has since prompted an internal affairs investigation.
Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft said four officers were involved in restraining Broussard but only one, a reserve officer, is being investigated. None of the officers’ names will be released.
On Wednesday, The Advocate was allowed to view surveillance video taken from traffic signals at the intersections of Garfield and Jefferson streets and Congress and Jefferson streets.
The Lafayette Police Department records the video for investigative purposes. The cameras periodically rotate 360 degrees in an attempt to record as much of the surrounding area as possible. However, the cameras’ constant rotation keeps them from viewing one area for an extended time. The camera view also is obscured at times.
The Advocate reviewed about 20 minutes of footage recorded from 2 a.m. to about 2:20 a.m. Broussard’s arrest occurred about 2:15 a.m.
The video briefly shows someone being arrested but the action occurs too far away to make out what is happening. The video also shows a group of people standing near the barricades looking in the direction of where the arrest occurred.
Witnesses reported that police officers at the scene threatened to arrest anyone who shot video or took pictures of the incident. No known videos or photos have surfaced.
During a previous interview, Broussard admitted to having punched an officer by mistake during a fight with another man. The fight originated over Broussard’s use of a racial slur. Broussard, who is white, said a black police officer came from behind him and put him in a bear hug. Broussard said the officer never identified himself.
Broussard said he turned and hit the officer because he thought he was being jumped. Realizing what he had done, Broussard said he ran away and was then tackled by officers. He remembers little else.
A witness to the incident filed the complaint that prompted the investigation.
 | ||||
| Most Popular | Most Emailed | Hot Topics | ||
