FBI Launches Civil Rights Investigation Over Alleged Beating Video

In this frame from video provided by KNBC-TV, officers beat and kick a man Thursday, April 9, 2015, near Apple Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/KNBC-TV) 

Olivia Smith and Josh Margolin, ABC NEWS

 
(ABC News) — The FBI has launched a civil rights investigation into a video that appears to show sheriff’s deputies beating a man in California after he attempted to get away on horseback.

Ten San Bernardino County deputies were put on paid administrative leave following the release of the video, Sheriff John McMahon said Friday.

KNBC-TV captured the video from a helicopter on Thursday. It shows the deputies pursuing the suspect, identified as Francis Jared Pusok, who is riding on a horse through a desert-like landscape, and then appearing to beat him after he is lying on the ground.

McMahon said he was “disturbed and troubled” by the video.

“It doesn’t appear to be in line with our policies and procedures,” McMahon said.
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