Providence police release bodycam after video shows officer punching handcuffed spitt

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Providence police release bodycam after video shows officer punching handcuffed spitting suspect

Providence, RI - The Providence Police Department released body-worn camera footage providing new context to a late-April altercation where an officer was filmed punching a handcuffed man.
The original video of the incident, which showed an officer throwing a punch at a man in handcuffs, stirred widespread outrage after it was posted online in April. However, that initial footage lacked audio and did not show what led to the physical confrontation.
The newly released police bodycam clips include sound and paint a different picture of the events than the angle originally shared on social media, showing that the officer struck the man after being spat on.
According to police, the incident occurred in the area of Pembroke Avenue and Eaton Street. Officers responded to the scene following reports that an individual was armed with a knife. Police said the suspect, identified as William Mitchell, began shouting slurs and causing trouble, which eventually led to a scuffle.
"Spitting in an officer’s face is not only disrespectful, but it also constitutes an assault and presents legitimate health and safety concerns," the union statement said in part. "The officers responded in a manner that was consistent with their training, department policy, and their obligation to maintain control of the incident."
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez stated that the April altercation remains under internal review.
Police also noted that this was not an isolated incident, alleging that Mitchell spat at officers a second time earlier this month. Officials said that second incident occurred on June 7 while Mitchell was being transported to police headquarters following an unrelated alleged assault.
Mitchell pleaded no contest to six charges in connection with the April case, including three counts of assault.

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