San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Under Investigation After Video Shows Him Kicking Man In The Head

A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy is under criminal investigation after surveillance footage captured him kicking a man who appeared to have surrendered prior to an arrest.

The deputy — who was not identified — was “immediately taken off duty and placed on administrative leave,” Undersheriff Shannon Dicus said in a video Friday.

“It’s unfortunate when incidents like these occur because it causes turmoil within our communities and equally amongst our deputies who pride themselves on providing professional service,” he said.

Authorities said the “use of force” occurred early Wednesday morning after a deputy attempted to pull over a motorcycle for “various traffic violations” in the area of Seventh and Lincoln streets in Victorville.

The motorcyclist, identified as 32-year-old Willie Jones, fled at a high speed, ran multiple traffic signals, entered the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 in the opposite direction and almost crashed into several vehicles, the sheriff’s department said.

Jones then reportedly exited at La Paz Avenue at about 12:45 a.m., dropping the motorcycle near a car dealership and fleeing on foot.

The surveillance footage was taken from a Toyota dealership, TMZ reported which obtained a copy of the video.

The video shows a man underneath a pickup truck. He then crawls over to another vehicle before standing up and walking.

A deputy can then be seen running into the frame with a flashlight pointed toward the man.

The man can be seen raising his hands and dropping to the ground face first. As the man is about to lie fully prone, the deputy can be seen winding his foot back and kicking the man in what appears to be the shoulder.

The deputy then kicks the man again in the head before kneeling on him and appearing to place him in handcuffs as other deputies rush in.

TMZ posted the video only minutes before the sheriff’s department posted their own featuring Dicus on social media.

Sheriff’s officials said Jones was provided medical care before being booked on suspicion of felony evading with disregard for public safety.

Booking records show he was released on bail Wednesday.

Dicus said a Victorville station watch commander was contacted by a security company that monitors the dealership’s parking lot.

“The watch commander reviewed the video and immediately determined the deputy’s actions were disturbing,” he said.

Dicus said the criminal investigation will be submitted to the county District Attorney’s Office. The undersheriff said an “administrative investigation” was also started to “allow for the appropriate employment actions to be taken.”

Sheriff John McMahon — who announced his retirement earlier Friday — said in a statement that the “incident raises concerns.”

“I expect my deputies to remain professional while engaging the public,” he said.