Franks feared for Kennedy’s safety and bear-hugged Kennedy in an attempt to pull him back with the other Peacekeepers. A brief struggle ensued and Franks, Kennedy and the officer lost their balance and fell to the ground.

Steinmeyer and other officers started to place Franks under arrest. Franks complied with an order to turn face down and put his hands behind his back.

Someone threw a “flash bang” toward the gas station and near where Franks lay on his stomach as an officer cuffed his hands behind his back.

Steinmeyer got on top of Franks’ back while Franks was on the ground and screamed at him “don’t touch my gun,” despite Franks not being in a position to touch anyone’s gun.

While Steinmeyer was on top of a cuffed Franks, Valdespino repeatedly beat Franks’ legs with a baton. The unnamed St. Louis County officer then kicked Franks in the face several times and the unnamed Berkeley officer sprayed Franks in the face with pepper spray.

Franks cites several injuries from the incident, including cuts and bruising on his face and head, a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder and a concussion.