The High Point Police Department is facing criticism following an incident where five officers appeared to use excessive force on a man.
Eyewitnesses captured a video showing the officers pinning the man down, with one seen punching him and another using a baton to strike him multiple times.
Victim was reportedly wanted for larceny
According to the HPD report, officers identified a theft suspect at InTown Suites on 2860 North Main Street at approximately 11:30 p.m. last Monday. The department stated that the theft was related to an incident at the Walmart on North Main Street.
Subsequently, officers attempted to apprehend that alleged suspect, Keith McClain, a 33-year-old resident of High Point, who was seen on video being physically restrained by officers, despite HPD saying he resisted arrest.
Video shows multiple officers hitting Keith McClain
In a video lasting around two minutes, several officers were captured striking McClain. A female officer can be seen hitting him at least five times while he’s on the ground. Another officer then pulls out his baton and strikes McClain at least ten times while he is being punched by another High Point Police Officer.
McClain was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries and later discharged, as per the department.
Emmanuel Randolph, 32, of Greensboro, who was also in the video with McClain, has been charged with resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer. However, it is unclear how Randolph got involved in the situation.
McClain was given a $1,050 bond and a court date set for April 23, according to the Guilford County jail. Randolph, on the other hand, was given a written promise to appear in court in May.
