LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Two Los Angeles police officers whose videotaped beating of a suspect was posted on the YouTube Web site are under investigation.
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton called the tape "disturbing." But he told the Los Angeles Times the investigation of the Aug. 11 arrest of William Cardenas began before the department learned of the videotape.
The tape, made by a neighbor who gave it to Cardenas' lawyer, shows him on his back. One officer is holding him down while the other has his foot against Cardenas and is punching him while the suspect yells, "I can't breathe."
Cardenas remains in jail and has been charged with two counts of resisting arrest.
Officers Alexander Schlegel and Patrick Farrell reported that Cardenas, a reputed gang member wanted on a charge of receiving stolen goods, ran away as they approached him.
The two officers have been placed on desk duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
