Video circulating on social media a chaotic situation in which police officers had to subdue and physically restrain multiple individuals in Santa Ana.
Santa Ana Police Department Chief Robert Rodriguez confirmed the incident occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday “in the [city’s] downtown area”
The incident involved “an arrest and the use of force by officers,” Chief Rodriguez said, acknowledging that the video posted on social media caused some worry amongst community members.
“We understand the concerns that arise when force is used, and we want to assure our community that the incident is being thoroughly reviewed, just as we do with all use of force incidents,” the chief stated.
The footage shows multiple officers taking a man to the ground in the middle of the street as a woman tried to intervene. The woman was thrown to the ground by an officer, and moments after that, two other men suddenly rushed up and charged into the officers.
The officers then focused their attention on those men and began trying to take them into custody. One of them was wrestled to the ground, and one officer was seen hitting him with his baton as the third man tried to intervene; this man was also tackled to the ground and struck with a baton several times.
As the mayhem ensued, the fight made its way to the sidewalk, where officers were still trying to get everything under control using force. Towards the end of the video, one officer can be seen reaching for what looks to be his service weapon as he pushed a person against a metal gate.
O.C. Press, citing witnesses at the scene, said the incident stemmed from an altercation that had broken out in the street that involved a person armed with a knife.
Chief Rodriguez did not confirm what led up to the physical confrontation between the officers and the men but did urge residents to let police officers do their jobs.
“We also want to remind the public that interfering with an arrest or striking an officer is unlawful and dangerous,” he advised. “Our officers are here to protect and serve, and we ask for the community’s cooperation during all enforcement actions.”
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