AUSTIN, Texas — Investigations are underway in the Austin Police Department after videos surfaced that appeared to show officers striking multiple people during altercations on 6th Street over the weekend.
The videos provide snapshots into the incidents that unfolded Friday night into early Saturday morning. Two videos show officers surrounded by large crowds, attempting to subdue multiple subjects.
In one video, an Austin police officer appears to strike a person, who then collapses on the street. In another video, an officer appears to repeatedly hit a person on the ground.
According to the Austin Police Department, one officer has since been removed from patrol as an investigation continues.
An arrest affidavit obtained Monday lists 19-year-old Jonny Acuña-Jacobo as one of the suspects taken into custody from the incident. The court documents claim officers were responding to a physical fight on E. 6th Street when Acuña-Jacobo hit an officer on the back of the head.
“The blows caused immediate, sharp pain and disorientation,” the affidavit reads.
The document states after the officer attempted a takedown maneuver, the 19-year-old allegedly continued to fight back. The document then claims the officer delivered closed-fist strikes in an attempt to subdue him.
“These strikes were deliberate and proportionate to overcome Johnny’s active aggression and resistance,” the affidavit reads.
Acuña-Jacobo was released from Travis County Jail on bond on Monday evening and faces charges for assault on a peace officer. He denied striking the officer in the back of the head.
“All I could do while I was in there was cry. Cry and pray,” Acuña-Jacobo said. “Because I knew nothing was true.”
He had bruising on his arms and the side of his face as he left jail on Monday.
Mayor Kirk Watson responded to one of the videos over the weekend and released the following statement, although it is unclear which incident he is referring to:
The Austin Police Association criticized Watson’s fast response to the incident.
“It’s hard to see how there’s going to be an unbiased investigation now, when you have the leader of the city calling for somebody to be terminated,” APA President Michael Bullock said.
Bullock said the environment while patrolling 6th Street is incredibly dynamic and can be dangerous for officers. He encouraged city leaders and the public not to rush to judgement.
“There’s gonna be a review. Let the review happen. That’s how we’re going to get to more definitive answers,” Bullock said.
ExOn Monday evening, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis released an update on the ongoing investigation, explaining both videos have led to investigations:
