A police officer in North Carolina was placed on administrative leave after video surfaced of him possibly slamming a female student to the ground this week.
The officer, who is part of the Rolesville Police Department, was attempting to break up a fight between several female students at Rolesville High School just north of Raleigh.
The incident took place around 7:10 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria, according to The News & Observer.
The video shows Officer Ruben De Los Santos lifting the student into the air and either dropping or slamming her to the floor before taking her away.
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The video quickly gained national attention and the Rolesville police have opened an investigation. Rolesville Police Chief Bobby Langston also said he’s asked the State Bureau of Investigation to assist in the investigation.
“We will work diligently to review any and all pertinent information so that we provide an accurate account of the events,” Langston said in a statement Tuesday. “We ask the community and all members involved to be patient while we investigate this matter.”
Officer Santos was assigned to the school on the day of the incident. He will be on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Additional footage of the incident, including the fight leading up to the officer’s involvement, is included below:
