Editor’s note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers.
SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A video capturing the arrest of a man by Savannah Police officers is drawing significant attention online, with many criticizing the actions as an overuse of force.
The individual featured in the footage is Joshua Watson, 18 years old. According to a spokesperson from the Savannah Police Department (SPD), Watson was already out on bond for illegal firearm possession and was a person of interest in a recent assault at Frazier Homes.
When officers approached Watson, he initially fled on a bicycle before continuing on foot. The video records officers discussing the suspect’s possession of a gun in his waistband and their efforts to prevent him from accessing the weapon.
Near the end of the video, something falls out of the suspect’s waistband, and you can see officers pick up what looks to be a weapon.
NOTE: Some viewers may find the following video to be disturbing.
Savannah Police released a statement on the incident.
Read SPD’s statement below:
