Purdue police launches internal investigation into arrest caught on video

Courtesy of Purdue University

Purdue University campus.

By: Andrew Smith

WEST LAFAYETTE — The Purdue University Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the arrest of a man Friday night following a third-party report stating it appeared a woman was being held against her will.

In a statement Wednesday evening, John Cox, chief of the university police department, said an officer responded to an "urgent call" from a third party who followed the campus's "see something, say something" guidance. Cox said the caller said it appeared the woman was being held against her will near Horticulture Drive.

A video showing part of the Black man's encounter with a white police officer was posted on Instagram and has thousands of views. WRTV is still attempting to get permission to share the video.

The video starts off with the officer, who hasn't been identified, telling the person recording the video to get back. The man, whose identity hasn't been confirmed, is on his back near what appears to be a pile of snow.

The officer appears to be using his arm near the man's head and neck. The man, at one point, says "you're choking me" several times before the man moves his head and the officer moves his arm. At one point, the officer appears to use his radio and said he "needs more people here now please."

The video ends when it appears more officers approach the scene.

Video from the officers' body cameras hasn't been released at this time. In the statement, Cox said once the internal review is complete, the video and all findings and evidence will be released.

"Any time a PUPD officer uses force in connection with an arrest, the department conducts an internal review," Cox said in the statement. "PUPD commenced that review, led by Deputy Chief Lesley Wiete immediately upon receiving the officer’s report on Friday night. That investigation will, under PUPD General Orders, include input from all witnesses to the arrest and take into account all available evidence, including video from officers’ body-worn cameras and statements from the students involved."

It's not clear when the internal investigation may be complete.

Cox said no injuries were reported.

At this time, it's unclear what, if any, charges were filed in connection with the incident.

Purdue says the Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and Office of Counseling and Psychological Services are providing resources and support for students who were involved or affected.

Purdue President Mitch Daniels released the following statement Thursday afternoon:

“There are no subjects Purdue takes more seriously than campus safety, student well-being, and proper police conduct. On Friday evening, Feb. 4, police received a bystander report of a suspected assault on a woman, prompting an officer’s urgent response.

Immediately upon learning of the use of force during our police officer’s response, we ordered an investigation, including not only the required review of the officer’s actions as is standard procedure under Purdue University Police policies, but also witness interviews and a release of all video evidence, including body-worn and in-car camera footage.

The inquiry into the police officer’s handling of the situation will be swift and thorough. As an additional step, following the internal review, the Indiana State Police will immediately commence an independent review of the PUPD investigation and video evidence. Should there be a finding of misconduct by the officer, appropriate action will be taken promptly.

In the spirit of transparency, once the Purdue Police and Indiana State Police reviews are complete, all findings and evidence, including all video evidence from body-worn cameras, in-car camera footage, dispatch calls and witness interviews, will be made available.

We ask for your patience as the investigation moves forward and again, will communicate findings as soon as they are available.”

WRTV is continuing to follow this story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.