Police Review Board Investigating After Man Claims He Was Beaten
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- We have new details about an investigation at a halfway house.
Video shows a Pittsburgh police officer beating a man at "The Renewal Center" last August.
At first glance, the video is startling – Pittsburgh Police officers approach a man at the Renewal Center, located downtown. The suspect is Lonnie Jenkins.
He claim is that he didn't resist arrest, but was severely beaten by Pittsburgh Police.
"It does not appear the officers did anything wrong, did not use excessive force," said Pittsburgh Police Asst. Chief Maurita Bryant. "Although, to the general public, it may look like wow. To our eyes, it just does not look like the officers were at fault at this time."
Police say the incident, caught on tape, happened in August. The Renewal Center called Pittsburgh Police saying a resident with contraband would not comply with staff.
"There are times when officers have to use force to take people into custody," said Pittsburgh Police Cmdr. Eric Holmes. "There are times, unfortunately, when it doesn't look good."
Police say they will take another look, a closer look at the incident – interview everyone involved. Meantime, the Renewal Center says it's pretty clear why police had to act.
"He refused to abide by our commands," said Doug Williams with the center. "At that time, Pittsburgh Police came around and attempted to do the arrest."
The Citizens Police Review Board has opened its own investigation, expressing grave concerns regarding the arrest of Jenkins.
Jenkins faces several charges, including aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
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