AUSTIN, Texas — A 19-year-old man seen in a viral video appearing to be repeatedly struck by an Austin police officer on Sixth Street is now speaking out as the department launches an internal investigation.
Austin police say the incident happened Friday night when officers responded to a fight outside the Voodoo Room at 419 E. Sixth Street. According to an arrest affidavit, Officer Leger was patrolling the area when he stepped in to break up an altercation and was “unexpectedly attacked from behind” by 19-year-old Johnny Acuña Jacobo.
The affidavit says the officer “delivered controlled, closed-fist strikes to Johnny’s facial area” to regain control. He was arrested and charged with assault on a police officer, a second-degree felony.
Acuña-Jacobo, who was released from the Travis County Jail on a $10,000 bond and fitted with an ankle monitor, denies attacking the officer.
“Watching the video of the way they were beating me up, it’s just sad,” Acuña-Jacobo said. “Sad the way how they had me—punching me, kicking me.”
A second video from over the weekend appears to show another incident involving an officer appearing to strike someone in the face, knocking him to the ground.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis released a statement on Monday afternoon, stating that both incidents are being reviewed in their entirety.
“Due process must be followed, which includes a comprehensive review of all camera footage, interviews with the officer, witnesses, and others who were present, followed by a hearing,” the statement said.
Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock said the use of force can depend heavily on circumstances.
“There’s not this clear bright line that exists in the world of policing of ‘this is justified and that is excessive,’” Bullock said. “Everything is situationally dependent.”
Acuña-Jacobo said his time in jail was filled with fear and disbelief.
“All I could do while I was in there was cry, cry, and pray, because I knew nothing was true,” he said.
Police confirmed that one officer has been removed from patrol duties while the investigations continue.