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A video captures a white Indiana police officer punching a 17-year-old during a verbal encounter. The officers were called to the scene because of a “large fight” after an unidentified male student was placed in the custody of an Indianapolis Public School officer.

The incident took place on Aug. 29 when two officers got into an argument with a mother outside of Shortridge High School. In the video, the officer, identified as Robert Lawson, can be seen striking the teen causing him to fall to the ground after screaming, “You want to go to jail? You want to go to jail? Let’s go!”

The teen received five days of suspension from school WTHR reports. According to a statement by the department says the officer who punched the teen has been suspended without pay.

“The video shows a clear image of a closed fist punch to the face, a technique which is not taught or reasonable given the facts known to us at this time,” Chief Bryan Roach said.

“The incident has been turned over to investigators who understand this case is a priority and have been advised to be as timely as possible. In the meantime, the officer is currently suspended without pay. The facts brought forward through the ongoing investigations in both the criminal and administrative processes will then be used to determine any final decisions” Roach added.

Attorney Terrance Kinnard, representing the family, released the following statement.

“Like many, we are shocked by the behavior depicted in the video currently circulating on social media networks. Over the coming days my staff and I will investigate all of the facts before deciding on a proper course of action,” Kinnard said.

Indianapolis Public Schools released the following statement:

“Indianapolis Public Schools requested support from IMPD yesterday at Shortridge High School due to an altercation that took place among students inside the building. The District has confirmed that following that altercation, there was an incident involving an IMPD officer striking an IPS student. We are fully engaged in and investigating this matter while taking every step at the building level and from the central office to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.”

Superintendent Aleesia Johnson released a statement as well:

“As a Black woman and a mother of Black children, it isn’t possible to watch the video of the incident that occurred yesterday at Shortridge without immediately thinking about the other incidents in our country that occur between white police officers and Black people, especially males. Often, I am left feeling a number of emotions — devastation often chief among them.”

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