PHOENIX — A longtime Phoenix police officer is accused of hitting a suspect who was in handcuffs while working off-duty at a local store late last year.

Phoenix police said in a Friday email that the unidentified officer, 44, is on administrative leave after a video surfaced of the officer striking the 22-year-old shoplifting suspect.

The suspect allegedly fought with the officer while being taken into custody at the store near 51st Avenue and Indian School Road on Dec. 8.

The officer then allegedly struck the suspect two to three times with his knee and four to five times with his closed fist, police said.

A criminal investigation was launched Feb. 20, when the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office notified the department of the possible criminal misconduct.

The investigation has since been submitted to the county attorney’s office.

The officer has been assigned to his home while the investigations continue.

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