The Fort Pierce Police Department has released body camera footage showing the moments leading up to an officer’s use of force during an arrest under the South Bridge.
Incident Details
Video shared on social media showed an officer striking a man, identified as 42-year-old Justin Ikeler, before taking him to the ground and placing him in handcuffs. The video drew concern online, with some people questioning whether the officer used excessive force.
Footage shows Ikeler involved in a physical confrontation with a woman before officers attempted to take him into custody. Ikeler can be heard claiming the woman attacked him with a stick.
Police said Ikeler refused officers’ commands and “assumed a fighting stance with his fists” before an officer struck him, took him to the ground, and placed him in handcuffs.
The incident happened shortly before noon Tuesday. Fort Pierce police said Ikeler was taken to the St. Lucie County Jail. The case remains under investigation.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
