A Seattle-area police officer has been taken off active duty after video appeared to show him repeatedly punching a shirtless suspect in the head while holding him down on a busy roadway.
Officer Andrew Bryant of the Auburn Police Department was placed on administrative leave after footage showed him striking the man during a violent arrest Wednesday afternoon.
The video shows Bryant straddling the suspect and delivering repeated blows to his head and face for more than 20 seconds as motorists waited in traffic nearby.
The punches were delivered with enough force that Bryant later required medical treatment for significant injuries to his hands.
The encounter has prompted an independent criminal investigation by the neighboring Renton Police Department, as well as an internal review of Bryant’s actions.
Relatives identified the suspect as Mauro Alberto Felix Valles, who police said had been running through traffic and trying to enter passing vehicles when officers were summoned.
An 18-minute video released by police shows the shirtless man crossing several lanes as drivers slow down and maneuver around him.
Bryant then approaches Valles, repeatedly issuing commands as the man moves toward the center of the road.
Shirtless suspect Mauro Alberto Felix Valles walks through heavy traffic in Auburn, Washington, after police said he tried to enter passing vehicles, prompting officers to respond
Officer Andrew Bryant approaches Valles in the roadway, ordering him to get down and warning that he would use his Taser if Valles refused
Bryant aims his Taser at Valles before firing, sending the suspect to the ground
‘Hey, you’re under arrest. Get on the ground! Do it now! Get on the ground! Hey!’ the officer yells.
When Valles continues walking, Bryant issues another warning.
‘Hey, get on the ground right now! Are you going to get tased?’
Valles does not comply, and Bryant fires his Taser, knocking him to the pavement.
The confrontation, however, quickly escalates rather than ending there.
Bryant climbs onto Valles and tries to pull his arms behind his back so he can apply handcuffs.
The suspect appears to twist and resist while the officer struggles to restrain him. Bryant then begins striking Valles repeatedly in the head and face.
Footage from a nearby traffic camera shows Bryant sitting on top of Valles and repeatedly driving his fists into the man’s head.
Valles lies face down on the road after Bryant uses his Taser and attempts to handcuff him; police said the suspect continued struggling and resisting arrest
Traffic camera footage shows Bryant straddling Valles and repeatedly punching him in the head during the struggle in the roadway
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Bryant strikes Valles for more than 20 seconds, reportedly injuring his own hands badly enough to require hospital treatment
Bodycam footage from the officer shows Valles struggling with Bryant in the middle of the road
At one point, Bryant’s body-worn camera falls off, though it continues recording audio. The sound of the officer’s exertion and repeated blows can still be heard.
A separate camera records the confrontation from above, showing Bryant continuing to strike Valles as he lies on the road.
Valles can be heard shouting during the struggle, while Bryant remains on top of him until additional officers arrive.
Bodycam footage shows that it ultimately took four officers to restrain Valles and secure him in handcuffs.
Valles continued screaming and resisting after he was restrained, prompting firefighters to respond and help calm him.
Both Valles and Bryant were taken to local hospitals for evaluation.
Bryant received treatment for injuries to his hands after the arrest.
Police initially said Valles did not appear to have suffered serious injuries. His relatives later claimed he had sustained a concussion and other physical injuries.
Police bodycam footage shows Valles lying on the road during the arrest; his family says the incident left him with a concussion and other injuries
Four officers were needed to handcuff Valles, while Bryant was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into his use of force
Valles’ family said he was experiencing a mental health crisis during the incident.
Police booked him on allegations of non-felony drug possession, disorderly conduct, obstruction and attempted assault.
He posted bond and was released from custody Thursday. By Friday, prosecutors had not filed formal criminal charges against him.
The Auburn Police Department released body-worn camera, dashboard camera and traffic surveillance footage after the arrest.
‘We understand the concern surrounding the October 28 incident,’ the department said in a statement.
‘The officer involved in the incident on Auburn Way North and 37th ST NE was placed on administrative leave yesterday pending a full investigation.’
The department said it was treating the allegations seriously.
‘The Auburn Police Department takes all officer-involved incidents seriously and treats these investigations with the utmost urgency.’
‘We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, maintaining transparency throughout the process, and ensuring fair treatment for everyone involved.’
