WATCH: Miami Police Punch Drunk Woman At Hard Rock Stadium During Match
The Miami Dade Police Department has launched an investigation into an incident of a policeman punching a drunken 30-year-old woman who was being carried out of the Hark Rock Stadium, Miami, on Saturday.
The moment was captured in a viral 14-second video where the heavily intoxicated fan is seen being carried out of the stadium during a match between Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies. The woman — only identified by her surname as Freitas – was lifted from her seat by four police officers after she started arguing with the other spectators and caused a scene by swearing loudly.
While the woman was being carried on top of the policemen’s shoulders, she swings her hand and tries to hit the head of one of the policemen carrying her.
After she fails to do so, the policeman in question swerves around and delivers a powerful punch to the woman’s face. Stunned by the impact of the punch, the woman falls back on the rest of the policemen, as they carry her out of the exit.
The video has been shared on social media, sparking outrage from people who have called for the immediate removal of the officer who retaliated in such a violent manner. According to the Independent, the officer has only been identified as "Detective Ross" so far.
"Promoting a safe and secure environment during any special event is our primary concern,” lvaro Zabaleta, a Miami-Dade police detective, told the Independent. “After responding to a disturbance, the person in the video was being removed from the event by our officers for being disorderly. She was subsequently arrested for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Disorderly Conduct/Breach of the peace. Supervisory personnel are aware of the video and are reviewing the incident to ensure compliance with our policies and procedures.”
Meanwhile, Freitas has been charged with disorderly conduct and battery on a police officer.
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