An unnamed Seattle police officer has been placed on administrative leave after being caught on video riding a bike over a protester's body.
Video of the incident shows a group of police officers riding their bikes through the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood. As the officers rode by, a bystander caught the officer riding his bike over what appears to be someone's head. Afterwards, it appears that the officer did not stop to check on their demonstrator, but rather kept pedaling down the street.
Hours after the video went viral across various social media platforms, the Seattle Police Department announced that the officer had been paced on administrative leave. The department has also requested that the King County Sheriff’s Office conduct an investigation of the incident.
WARNING: THE VIDEO BELOW CONTAINS GRAPHIC FOOTAGE
“The SPD is fully committed to the oversight and transparency systems the City has in place,” the department said in a statement.
“The SPD calls on the community to encourage peaceful protests and conversation, and bring an end to continued destruction and violence.”
The incident occurred during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor. Taylor was killed by Louisville authorities executing a search warrant at her apartment on March 13. On Wednesday, state officials announced that no officers would be charged for her death. Instead, former officer Brett Hankinson was charged with three first-degree counts of wanton endangerment for firing shots into her neighbor's apartment.
Hankinson faces up to five years in prison and is expected to appear in court later this year.
Photo: Getty Images