MCKINNEY, Texas, June 7 (UPI) -- A McKinney, Texas, police officer was placed on administrative leave after video surfaced of him apparently pushing a 14-year-old girl to the ground and drawing his gun on other teenagers while breaking up a pool party.
The officer, whose name wasn't released, was one of 12 who responded Friday night to a gathering at a community pool. Someone called police to complain that teenagers at the pool didn't have permission to be in the master planned community. Others complained a fight had broken out among the teens, Police Chief Greg Conley said during a news conference Sunday.
At about the 3-minute mark of the video, the officer can be heard yelling at a group of teenage girls, telling them to leave the area. He then apparently grabs the 14-year-old girl, at which time she either falls or is pushed to the ground.
The officer is seen pushing her head toward the ground, then steps away from her to draw his firearm as two other people run past him. Two other officers run after the fleeing teens and the now-suspended officer returned his attention to the 14-year-old girl on the ground.
"Get your ass on the ground," he yells as her as she repeatedly asks to call her mother. "On your face," he yells again, pushing her onto her stomach and face on the ground.
At one point he puts his knee on her back as he holds her hands behind her. Conley said the girl was ultimately released to a parent and was not charged with any crimes.
Multiple other teens, many wearing swimsuits, can be seen in the video sitting on the ground with their hands in cuffs.
Conley said one person -- an adult -- was arrested and charged with interfering with police duty and evading arrest. No injuries were reported.
Witnesses told KTVT-TV in Dallas they felt the officer acted inappropriately toward the girl. Others at the scene told the station they felt the officer did what was necessary.
"As chief of police I am committed to a complete and thorough investigation," Conley said. "We will be forthcoming in this process."
The video of the incident contains graphic language.
