Lafayette Police Release New Details About Controversial Arrest in Viral Downtown Video
LAFAYETTE, La. — A video capturing an arrest in Downtown Lafayette has gone viral, drawing over 200,000 views and prompting backlash on social media over the officer’s actions during the incident.
The footage, which begins mid-arrest, shows a man being detained in the 300 block of Jefferson Street late Wednesday night. At one point in the video, an officer is seen striking the man, leading many online to question the use of force and label the incident as potential police brutality.
However, newly released information from the Lafayette Police Department provides more context behind the clip that has circulated online.
According to LPD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green, officers were providing security at a local establishment in the 300 block of Jefferson Street around 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, when the incident occurred. Security staff had reportedly removed an individual from the venue, after which the man allegedly struck a security guard in the face with a closed fist.
Police say the man resisted arrest and did not comply with officers’ commands during the attempt to take him into custody. The situation escalated as officers worked to subdue and handcuff him.
The individual was ultimately arrested and charged with simple battery and resisting an officer. LPD also confirmed that he had an active warrant at the time of his arrest.
The viral video can be viewed below.
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