A Cincinnati police captain is facing charges of assault and disorderly conduct for a disturbing incident caught on video. In the footage captured in October, he is seen strangling a woman in a city park while she pleads for him to stop.
The accused officer, Brian Norris, has been placed on administrative duty and had his police powers suspended until the resolution of the legal proceedings, reported WCPO.
The video, filmed on October 24 at Washington Park, shows the woman desperately urging Norris to release her as he eventually walks away, remarking to onlookers that she is aware of her actions.
Witnesses provided care for the woman and called 911. According to an incident report, a witness said Norris dragged the woman from a vehicle “while holding her in a choke hold.”
“Witness stated that the suspect was on top of the victim, continuing to strangle the victim with his hands,” the report said.
The woman declined to speak with officers unless they turned their body cameras off, telling them that Norris “is CPD.”
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge asked an outside prosecutor’s office to conduct the investigation into the incident but declined to name the office.
“It is imperative to have a fair and impartial investigation when any high-ranking member of our agency is alleged to have engaged in misconduct,” she said. “Captain Norris is entitled to due process and we will await the outcome of this case.”
Norris was off duty at the time of the assault.
