Fresno police investigate taped beating by officer

Fresno’s police department has launched an internal affairs investigation into a video-recorded arrest of a homeless man who was beaten by one officer while another restrained him.

The four-minute video, shot by a bystander Monday on a busy street, shows one officer standing over the man in the mud and holding his arms while the other officer delivers at least five punches to his face, some with the homeless man’s hands behind his back.

Police Chief Jerry Dyer on Wednesday called the case disturbing, but said until the investigation is complete, it won’t be known whether the officers’ actions were appropriate.

“It’s very disturbing on the surface,” Dyer said. “I’ve watched it several times. There are other pieces that need to be looked at. Although a moment in time is crucial, it’s important to look at all aspects of the officers’ contact.”

The internal affairs investigation should take about 30 days, Dyer said.

The names of the officers are not being released, but Dyer said neither has been cited for previous misconduct. One has served in the department for 10 years, the other for six.

Dyer said the officer who punched Glen Beaty, 52, is now on medical leave with a broken pinky finger that will require surgery. The video shows him briefly shaking out the hand that landed the punches. The other officer was placed on administrative duty.

“I am deeply concerned about what I see in the video,” Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin said in a statement. “I understand that officers need to use force, at times, to protect themselves or to make an arrest. But the video itself is very disturbing.”