Two Allentown Police are being accused of using execessive force during a traffic stop last May -- and the whole incident was caught on cell phone video.
A lawsuit against the Allentown Police Department was filed this week. It alleges that the officers pulled 33-year-old Christhian Ramirez of Bethlehem out of his vehicle during a stop for a traffic violation.
The officers then kneed him and punched him, according to the suit.
A witness in the area at the time of the stop caught the alleged brutality on his cell phone camera.
"I was like 'oh snap,' that's just not right," said witness Juan Bermudez. "He wasn't doing anything for him to be treated like that."
The video shows Ramirez on the ground, taking the punches that were being dished out without retaliation.
Ramirez was hospitalized following the stop, according to his lawyer.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
"Once the individual is handcuffed, he no longer poses a threat to either himself or the police officer," said Attorney Steven Ameche.
Police confirm that an internal investigation into the claim is underway, but wouldn't elaborate.
