Photo: Getty Images
Video shows a Cincinnati police officer pulling a gun on a Black man who was recording an arrest on Government Square.
In the now-viral video, which was recorded and shared online by Eddie Lee, at least eight officers can be seen conducting an arrest last week on Government Square, per WCPO.
It's unclear what unfolded before the video began. Video shows an officer pointing a Taser at a man, identified as Johnnie Taylor, as a woman stood between the two. Lee said he started recording to document the arrest of Taylor, who he said was his friend.
Lee said he and Taylor were initially approached by an officer who claimed they were smoking weed. Taylor spoke up for the two, telling police that they weren't smoking or drinking, which prompted the arrest.
One officer attempted to tase Taylor before grabbing him and pushing him onto a bench. More officers arrived at the scene and pinned Taylor down. At one point, an officer used pepper spray against Taylor before another cop successfully struck him with a taser.
Taylor fell to the ground where he was arrested.
During the arrest, one of the officers drew his gun at Lee as he was recording. Lee was also arrested on charges of "obstructing" the arrest and "hampering" the officer attempting to make the arrest, court documents state.
Lee said he complied with officers' orders to back away from the scene.
"You can see people in the video that were videoing that were closer than me to the scene," Lee said. "I was backing up, I was being compliant to what they were saying. I mean, I just felt the officer had a bad day and took it out on whoever they wanted to."
Cincinnati police said they're investigating the incident.
"We, as an agency understand that a video such as this generates many comments, concerns, and opinions, and can diminish the public’s trust. We are committed to transparency and the safety of our officers and citizens will always remain a top priority," Lt. Johnathan Cunningham said in a statement. "Situations such as this allow us all to have honest conversations to grow together, learn together, and maximize our full potential as a strong city. Currently, this incident is under investigation by CPD, as well as the Citizen Complaint Authority, which provides a neutral, independent review of the incident."
Watch Lee's video of the arrest here.
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