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The New York Police Department is under fire after an officer appeared to punch a woman in the face and knock her to the ground in a video that's gone viral, People reports.
On Tuesday (August 30), police were looking for an attempted murder suspect when 19-year-old Tamani Crum, confronted an officer, per body camera footage released by NYPD.
The officer, identified as Kendo Kinsey, allegedly punched Crum after the 19-year-old slapped him.
Per the footage, onlookers can be heard shouting "Why would you do that?" to the officer as Crum lies on the ground holding her face.
She is eventually handcuffed and taken away from the scene.
NYPD said in a statement regarding the incident, "While police were effecting the arrest, multiple individuals on scene interfered by physically assaulting numerous officers. One officer sustained a minor injury to the head."
The department confirmed to People that Crum was charged with assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration immediately after the incident.
However, the following evening, the 19-year-old was arraigned on the latter charge and set free without bail, according to the New York Post.
Crum's lawyer, Jaime Santana Jr., condemned the use of force in a statement to CBS News.
"The officer involved in this case was approximately three times her body weight and size. This was unnecessary and it's unacceptable," Santana Jr. said. This has to stop."
According to reports, Kinsey is still on active duty, and it's unknown whether his use of force is being investigated.
Documents obtained by People state Crum will appear in court on October 11.
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