March 15, 2024

A Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputy is on administrative leave, as he is being investigated for punching a handcuffed suspect.

According to CCSO, deputies were called to the Doney Park area on Wednesday for a trespassing incident, and arrested three people. While one suspect was being escorted to a patrol vehicle a struggle ensued, and the woman was able to briefly pull away from the arresting deputy, who responded by hitting the woman twice in the face.

The Sergeant on scene immediately intervened, and the suspect sustained a minor injury, and was taken to the county jail without further incident.

The Sheriff’s Office is conducting an administrative investigation for excessive use of force; and they have posted a video of the incident from the Sergeant’s body camera on their Facebook page. The Flagstaff Police Department is conducting a simultaneous criminal investigation of the deputy’s actions.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com