Cop suspended after man’s head stomped on in ‘brutal’ Melbourne arrest

A Victorian Police officer has been suspended following a “barbaric” arrest, in which a mentally ill man had his head stomped on.

A Melbourne police officer has been suspended for his involvement in a violent arrest that left a mentally ill man in an induced coma.

A Senior Constable from the Victoria Police Critical Incident Response Team was suspended last night after a video emerged of a Heathcote Junction man having his head stomped on by a police officer.

Footage shot on Sunday afternoon in the northern suburb of Epping captured the moment 32-year-old Timothy Atkins was arrested by five police officers.

The video was shared to social media and appeared to show an officer kick Mr Atkins while he was on the ground before another officer stomped on his head.

Another video, released by 7News, showed police hitting Mr Atkins with their car just moments before the dramatic arrest.

The confronting footage was posted to social media on Sunday night. Picture: Twitter

One officer appears to kick Mr Atkins before another stomps on his head. Picture: Twitter

The father of three, who is now in an induced coma, was being treated at the Northern Hospital in Epping for a bipolar episode this weekend when he fled, prompting staff to call police as they feared for his safety.

Victoria Police said a Senior Constable has been suspended “following his involvement in a protracted incident which commenced at the Northern Hospital at Epping on Sunday 13 September.”

“Professional Standards Command continue to investigate the matter and are currently assessing all available information,” Victoria Police said.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police told The Guardian the officer would continue to paid during his suspension.

Robinson and Gill lawyer Jeremy King, who is representing Mr Atkins, said there is a high chance the incident could lead to criminal charged being laid against some of the arresting officers.

“I think the last incident regarding the stomp on the head when he is already restrained on the ground could well lead to criminal charges,” he told Nine’s Today.

Before Victoria Police announced one of the officers had been suspended, Mr King suggested the officer who was filmed stomping on Mr Atkins’ head should be stood down from duty while an independent investigation occurs.

“I think it would be appropriate given the gravity of the situation. That’s probably as bad as I’ve seen in terms of police misconduct, the stomping on the head, it’s such a dangerous, violent act,” he said.

“Given the nature of that conduct, I think it would be appropriate for the police officer to be stood down while independently investigated.”

A second video showed Mr Atkins being hit by a police car just moments before the shocking arrest unfolded. Picture: 7News

Mr King condemned the use of such violence, saying the police needed to be taking a harm minimisation approach when ideating with people who have mental health issues and may be in a vulnerable state.

“Obviously people with mental health issues like this, who are seeking treatment can often be in a vulnerable state, they can often be agitated and where possible police should be doing everything they can to try and de-escalate the situation and really not to be using violence or physical aggression in any way,” he said.

Mr King said Mr Atkins’ family was shocked and devastated by the incident, adding the focus was on letting his client recover before speaking about what action needs to be taken.

Mr Atkins’ brother Bryce described the move as a “dog act” telling the Herald Sun: “I’m just disgusted with what police think they can get away with”.

“It is in inhumane. To see him in a coma breaks my heart.”

Timothy Atkins has since been placed in an induced coma. Picture: Supplied

His father, Glenn Atkins said he respects police but “this is not Australian.”

“They don’t need to do that to a person with a mental illness, who didn’t even fight back. My son was scared and confused. No one can tell me this was the right thing to do.”

The couple who filmed the arrest lashed out at the officers involved on social media, labelling the situation “violent” and “barbaric”.

“I don’t know what this man did, but nevertheless, this is NOT OKAY. This is absolutely disgusting behaviour from Victoria Police. Excuse my language but I couldn’t control myself,” the man said.

“He had no weapons (yes he was resisting arrest) but their violent attack and disgusting and barbaric treatment towards this guy is inexcusable,” the other man added.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, Victoria Police claimed Mr Atkins became aggressive during the arrest, leading to an officer being assaulted.

“Police were called to Cooper Street, Epping, to reports of a male behaving erratically about 4.10pm (Sunday),” Victoria Police said.

“Upon arrival the male allegedly became aggressive and damaged a police vehicle whilst attempting to avoid arrest.

“During the highly dynamic incident a police officer was assaulted and OC spray was deployed before the man was arrested and subsequently taken to hospital for assessment.

“The arrest has been referred to Professional Standards Command for oversight.”