The Suffolk County Police Department is conducting an investigation into the arrest of a Copiague man Tuesday night after video surfaced of cops purportedly using a stun gun while he was being held down.
Police arrested 21-year-old Jeu Gonzalez on charges of harassment, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, for an incident that occurred just before 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Amerigo Vespucci Avenue and Dixon Avenue, a police spokeswoman said.
Police did not say what prompted police involvement.
Gonzalez’s friend told News 12 Long Island that she locked her keys in her car near a Copiague deli and asked him for help.
Moments later, police were on the scene and arrested Gonzalez, witnesses told the local cable news channel. But before he was taken into custody three officers were captured on amateur video struggling with Gonzalez while he was on the ground.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that a stun gun was used in the arrest.
Gonzalez’s friend said police punched him in his back while he was face down on the ground and used a stun gun. She said he was “screaming in agony.”
“The SCPD has been conducting a full and complete investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the events leading up to the arrest and as to whether the arresting officers’ actions in effecting the arrest were legally justified,” the department said in a statement.
“And we encourage anyone who has information regarding the incident to come forward, including the woman who claims to possess the video. We have been requesting the video since News 12 made us aware of its existence last evening. The video would be material to aiding us in our investigation.”
Gonzalez was taken to a nearby hospital following the incident. He is expected to be arraigned Wednesday.