Arrested man allegedly punched by police officer after spitting incident
A SA Police officer has come under scrutiny after allegedly punching a man who appears to spit at him during an arrest in Adelaide’s south.
An alleged vandal has claimed to have been punched in the face by a police officer during his arrest on Saturday.
In a video of the incident posted online, the 22-year-old accused, who was already in handcuffs, appears to spit at the male police officer before being punched with a closed fist to the side of the head.
The officer and two colleagues then wrestle the man to the ground.
South Australian Police confirmed on Sunday that they had been called to Woodcroft Dr in Morphett Vale at 3.35pm on Saturday following reports of three men graffitiing a sign.
“The suspects ran off into a nearby house,” a police spokeswoman said.
“Police arrested a 22-year-old Morphett Vale man. It will be alleged during the arrest he resisted police and assaulted police including spitting on the face and arm of an officer.
“He was charged with mark graffiti, resist police and assault police.”
He was bailed and will face the Christies Beach Magistrates Court in the coming months.
The spokeswoman would not comment on the officer’s response to being spat at.
Under the Police Complaints and Discipline Act it is illegal to publish information which suggests that a police officer has been the subject of an internal complaint or disciplinary proceeding.
The maximum penalty for breaching the confidentiality clauses within the Act is a $2500 fine or six months imprisonment.