GRAPHIC video reportedly shows officers breaking man’s leg and slamming his head into concrete during violent arrest

Body cam and bystander footage reportedly captured the moment two California police officers broke a man’s leg and slammed his head into the pavement during a forceful arrest.

The City of Pasadena released six videos Friday captured by police car cameras and body cams worn by two unnamed officers who arrested Christopher Ballew, 21, at an Altadena gas station on November 9. Police said they approached Ballew after he committed “multiple traffic violations,” Pasadena Now reported.

Authorities claimed that the suspect wouldn’t comply with police orders and, at one point, took a baton from one of the officers. According to KCBS, the witness’ footage showed one officer repeatedly hitting Ballew in the leg while he lies on the ground. The other officer can be seen slamming the man’s head on the ground.

The passerby reportedly uploaded the unsettling video to social media, resulting in widespread outrage. Though officials said the officers acted within department policy, Pasadena police said they are reviewing the incident, the station reported.

“The City and its police department take very seriously any allegations of inappropriate conduct by our sworn officers,” Pasadena spokesperson William Boyer said last week, according to Pasadena Now.

Boyer later confirmed to the Pasadena Star-News that Ballew suffered a fractured fibula in the November 9 incident.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced December 8 that they won’t prosecute Ballew. Despite this, Ballew reportedly retained nationally known lawyer John Burton.


[Featured Image: Christopher Ballew/City of Pasadena video screengrab]