A cop in upstate New York has been placed on administrative leave after punching a woman he was detaining in the throat, knocking her to the ground, according to TMZ.
On July 4, multiple cameras filmed a violent confrontation inside an East Syracuse Walmart.
When a brawl broke out in the store, Tajenik Byrd, 22, pepper-sprayed multiple people, including children, according to the Dewitt Police Department. The cause of the altercation is unknown.
During the altercation, Tyreana Edmonds, a 26-year-old woman in a black top, started arguing with store employees and allegedly slapped them in the face.
When Rory Spain and Corey Buyck of the Dewitt Police Department arrived on the scene, a man swiftly pointed them to the altercation. Spain handcuffs Edmonds while Buyck tries to apprehend Byrd, according to body camera footage.
Byrd allegedly fought arrest and knocked Buyck’s body camera on the ground, according to authorities. The screen turns dark, but the rest of the struggle is captured on Walmart’s surveillance tape. Buyck tries to handcuff Byrd again and pushes his whole weight on her hips and legs, causing her to collapse to the ground.
Meanwhile, a bystander’s cellphone video shows Edmonds attempting to bite officer Spain’s arm before punching her in the face, according to FOX10.
Both women were subsequently apprehended and detained. Edmonds is charged with assault and resisting arrest, among other things. Child endangerment, violence, and resisting arrest were all charges against Byrd.
Spain is the only officer who has been placed on administrative leave and will remain off the force until the investigation is completed.
