Yahoo Finance NSW Police officer investigated after throwing Aboriginal teen to the ground
A NSW Police officer is being investigated after an Indigenous teen was filmed being thrown to the ground.
Video emerged on Facebook of a boy, 17, being arrested in Surry Hills in Sydney’s east on Monday about 5pm.
It shows a NSW Police officer kicking the legs out from underneath a teen during an arrest with the boy falling to the ground.
“You just slammed in on his face,” an onlooker says.
The teen had just told the officer, “I’ll crack your f***ing jaw”.
The video’s sparked widespread outrage.
In a statement on Tuesday, NSW Police said an investigation is underway “by officers attached to the Professional Standards Command”.
“The constable involved has been placed on restricted duties while this review is carried out,” police said.
“Senior officers have met with the community and local elders and will keep them appraised throughout the process.”
Police also allege the boy “threatened an officer”.
The boy was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for observation and has been released into the custody of family.
Nathan Moran from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, based in nearby Redfern, told the ABC the arrest “appalling” and the officer’s actions “never warranted”.
However, Mr Moran added the boy “made some inappropriate verbal threats”.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing told reporters on Tuesday, the boy had complained of soreness to the face and knee.
Asst Comm Willing added “everyone” is aware of protests underway in the US and he’s “concerned” about the footage.
“But I’m equally concerned about others who may use this footage to inflame it and turn it into something it’s not,” he said.
“What we need to do is to let the investigation take its course.”
He added the investigation would be conducted "thoroughly and openly".
Asst Comm Willing said the teen has not been charged with an offence.
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