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A Canton, Ohio police officer has been fired after he was caught on video kicking a Black man in the chest while he was kneeling on the ground with his hands raised.
According to News5Cleveland, Brandon Momirov was fired earlier this month following an investigation into the arrest of 21-year-old Jaemiir McElroy.
Video taken by a bystander showed Momirov running toward McElroy and kicking him in the chest as he appeared to comply with police orders.
Police previously said they were responding to reports of an argument last month when officers encountered McElroy. According to police, multiple people, including one individual alleged to be armed, fled the scene when they arrived. However, suspects "appeared to be complying when Officer Brandon Momirov kicked Jaemiier McElroy ... in the chest," the department previously said in a statement.
McElroy and two other men were arrested on suspicion of "obstructing official business" and resisting arrest, according to a report.
At the time, Police Chief John Gabbard defended the officer's actions.
"Our officers frequently face stressful, dangerous situations and confrontations with armed suspects," Police Chief John Gabbard previously said. "Their dedication to the community has resulted in exceptional reductions in violence, especially gun violence, over the past two years."
Bystander video of the incident went viral and sparked outrage among the community and social media users. Bob DiCello, McElroy's attorney, said his client was hospitalized with a concussion.
Momirov remained employed as the department probed his actions.
“I’ve said on more than one occasion that we can do better, and I’m tired of saying it. It’s about action,” Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II said in a statement amid Momirov's termination. “This behavior is not acceptable.”
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