NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans police officer suffered a broken leg during a chaotic takedown inside a gas-station convenience store after a suspect fought two officers trying to cuff him, video of the melee shows.
The two NOPD officers had the man on the floor near the entrance and ATM when the struggle dragged on. One officer went down with a broken leg but stayed in the fight, using his body weight to help keep the suspect pinned until backup rolled in and finished the arrest.
The suspect repeatedly yelled “I can’t breathe” and claimed he had severe asthma while officers worked to get him in handcuffs. Video from inside the store also shows him trying to light a cigarette or blunt even as the officers held him down.
Review of the footage found no pressure applied to the man’s neck or airway.
Backup units arrived quickly after the officer was hurt and locked the suspect in cuffs. The injured officer was taken to a hospital for treatment. The department has not released an update on his condition.NOPD launched an investigation into what sparked the initial stop and what charges the suspect will face, including resisting arrest and injuring an officer.
The violent wrestling match unfolded among snack aisles, drink coolers and a yellow caution cone, with bystanders watching from the doorway as officers finally got the man under control.
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