Actions of Colonial Beach Police Prompt VSP Investigation

Colonial Beach Police Department called in Virginia State Police to conduct an independent investigation after one of its officers recorded hitting a restrained man.

The video show two police officers pinning a man to the road, and one of those officers hit the man multiple times.

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Witnesses watching and recording the incident say the man’s face is being pushed into the road. The officer is described as hitting the man in the head. And at one point, a female notes the man on the ground is not resisting. From the audio, it also appears that he calls out for help.

On November 10, Colonial Beach Police Department provided details about the incident, which occurred on November 8.

That Saturday, at about 8:25 p.m. an officer made a traffic stop and found the driver had multiple outstanding warrants, CBPD said. But the nature of those warrants wasn’t disclosed.

“When the driver repeatedly refused to exit the vehicle after an officer’s commands, the situation escalated, resulting in a physical struggle,” CBPD said.

No additional details about the incident were provided, but CBPD said the officer shown hitting the man has been placed on administrative leave pending the VSP investigation. An internal administrative review will also be conducted to determine if all policies, procedures, and training standards were followed.

Watch Jessica & Krystal’s Videos of the November 8 CBPD Incident

“If any actions are found to be inconsistent with our policies, procedures, or professional standards, they will be addressed appropriately. Our priority remains the safety, trust, and wellbeing of the Colonial Beach community,” said Colonial Beach Police Chief Les Parsons.

This incident comes one month after CBPD was accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. That award demonstrates that the Department’s policies and practices conform to best practices and the professional standards set out by the Commonwealth, CBPD stated.