Miami Mayor Calls For Action After Viral Video Shows Cop Kicking Cuffed Man In Head
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is calling for action after video that went viral Thursday showed what appeared to be a Miami police officer kick a handcuffed man in the head. The man in cuffs is David Suazo, he's accused of grand theft and fleeing from police.
The officer is Mario Figueroa. He's been placed on paid suspension pending an investigation.
Mayor Suarez released a statement saying, "I watched the video in question yesterday, and as I have stated, I find the police officer's conduct reprehensible and completely unjustified. It is not a reflection of the Miami Police Department's stand around. I am pleased that Chief Colina took swift action in suspending the officer and having the State Attorney's Office look into pressing criminal charges against him. However, we must look into alternatives, beyond suspension with pay, in situations where we have indisputable evidence such as the video in this case. Our police chief should be given the ability to fire the officer immediately."
Suarez plans to bring up his ideas during police union negotiations on May 23rd.
Attorney David Weinstein, who is not associated with the case, says as the state attorney's office looks at the case and reviews the video, they'll be looking for specific elements.
"Was it reasonable to use that much force given the circumstances?" That is one question he figures they will have to answer. "Once they determine it was unreasonable to use that amount of force, now they have to look was there a battery," he said.
Meanwhile, David Suazo was in bond court Friday morning on charges of grand theft and fleeing from police.
The judge set bond at $16,000. He remains in jail, however, because he is also being held with no bond for a probation violation.
