Video shows brutal US police beating of suspect

Disturbing video footage shows nine sheriff’s deputies in San Bernadino County, California brutally beat a suspect as he is lying dormant on the ground.

The incident began Thursday afternoon when 30-year-old Francis Pusok escaped in a car as the deputies approached his home serving a search warrant in connection with an identity theft investigation.

Police started pursuing the man, but he abandoned his car and began to run away until he stole a horse from a group of horseback riders. He then rode it through steep hills and rough terrain, according to the sheriff’s office.

The footage, which was recorded by a news helicopter operated by KNBC-TV, shows Pusok was beaten by officers for almost one minute.

for video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29ctbkEXX7o#t=23

It can be seen in the footage that Pusok falls off the horse before two deputies taser him and drop him to the ground.

Pusok appears to put his hands behind his back in compliance but one of the two deputies begins kicking him in the head and the other officer kicks him in the crotch from behind. Then, both officers continue to punch him in the face.

The video then shows the man lies splayed face-down on the ground with officers continuing to beat him with their fists and stun guns. Another deputy joins them after thirty seconds which will be followed by six more.

They each continue to punch and kick him into his back and head, the footage shows.

“The video surrounding this incident is disturbing and I have ordered an internal investigation be conducted immediately,” Sheriff John McMahon said.

He noted the department’s Specialized Investigations Detail was also conducting a “criminal investigation.”

Pusok was hospitalized and is currently being treated for undisclosed injuries.