This browser does not support the Video element.
Call for investigation
Call for investigation
MILWAUKEE -- A controversial arrest is sparking outrage from some city leaders after an officer is seen restraining a protester with his knee on the man's head and striking him in his side during a march at 6th and McKinley on Tuesday.
Common council members releasing a joint statement calling for a formal investigation.
"I have questioned both police and fire for the way that they have acted over the past several days," Alderwoman Milele Coggs said.
They are also asking that officer be removed from crowd control duty during the unrest.
"Such behavior can cost somebody their life," Ald. Coggs said.
"The tactic is on the upper shoulder," Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said. He is standing behind the officer's actions.
"Our teams that are out there for these civil disturbances, for these riots. They're trained to make arrests. That was an arrest that was within policy," Chief Morales said.
Police released a statement saying the protester was part of a group that attempted to surround a police vehicle.
As they tried to arrest him, they say the man, his bike and an officer fell to the ground and struggle ensued.
Police say the officer attempted to restrain him by putting his knee on the man's shoulder, but he was moving.
The incident is under review.
The arrest now in the spotlight as protests continue throughout city.
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Michael J. Murphy and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa issued a statement on the incident Thursday -- writing that they, "find the officer's conduct unacceptable."
Below is the full statement from the Common Council members:
"Get off his neck! Get off his neck!" the crowd shouted just outside Fiserv Forum Tuesday evening as a confrontation between police and protesters escalated.
Video shows a man lying on the ground as an officer restrains him.
"Stop that! Stop that!" the crowd shouted as the officer's knee held the man down, and kicked him in his side.
In the end, the protester stood up in handcuffs, as the clash between the two groups continued.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett issued this statement Wednesday:
The Milwaukee Police Department issued the following statement: