Fort Pierce police release body camera footage of viral incident involving officer

Caleb CalifanoFORT PIERCE, Fla. —

The Fort Pierce Police Department has released body camera footage showing the moments leading up to an officer’s use of force during an arrest under the South Bridge.

Video shared on social media showed an officer striking a man before taking him to the ground and placing him in handcuffs. The video drew concern online, with some people questioning whether the officer used excessive force.

Police identified the man as 42-year-old Justin Ikeler.

Footage shows Ikeler involved in a physical confrontation with a woman before officers attempted to take him into custody.

In the video, Ikeler can be heard claiming the woman attacked him with a stick.

Police said Ikeler refused officers’ commands and “assumed a fighting stance with his fists” before an officer struck him, took him to the ground and placed him in handcuffs.

Several people who said they witnessed the confrontation told WPBF 25 News they heard shouting before seeing the officer take Ikeler to the ground. The witnesses did not want to appear on camera.

They also said Ikeler and the woman had previously spent time under the South Bridge.

The incident happened shortly before noon Tuesday.

Fort Pierce police said Ikeler was taken to the St. Lucie County Jail. The case remains under investigation.

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