Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Cop Watch: Beaumont Cops Dash Cam Video Released of 2007 Arrest





Listen.

Listen carefully, as well as watch this video captured by the dashboard camera of a Beaumont, Texas, patrol car. It was released by the Jefferson County District Attorney this week.

It is two years old, and the public is just now privy to this video.

What you are seeing - and hearing - is the recording of events on August 24, 2007, when Darrick Newmann was arrested by Beaumont police after a routine traffic stop. It's not pretty. In fact, it may well cause an emotional response and you should be prepared for that before you hit that play button.

Indictments and a Civil Lawsuit are Pending

Two of the cops seen in the video, Officers David Todd Burke and James Cody Guedry, are facing criminal charges for official oppression (one count each). In a related civil action, Darrick Newman is suing for damages based upon their use of excessive force.

Excessive force. What do you think?