Just as you expected, TMZ Sports got the footage of the battle between New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes and the LAPD.
The below video begins with the big man already on the ground wrestling with cops as they struggle to subdue and arrest him. The #8 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft keeps fighting as he gets hit with the taser and his friend screams out for them to stop.
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said Tuesday that a categorical use of force investigation was launched into the arrest of Hayes. The Hayes’ case involves “the possibility of force being applied to the suspect’s neck during the use of force in taking him into custody,” Moore said.
The investigation will be conducted by the Use of Force Review Board, which will submit its findings and recommendations to Moore.
“Officers made contact with a male, later identified as 21-year old Jaxson Hayes, in the front yard of a residence,” an LAPD statement said. “It was later determined that Hayes is (a) professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association. Officers informed Hayes they received a call at the location and needed to speak with the victim, but requested Hayes remain outside while they did so.
“Body worn video captured Hayes repeatedly attempting to enter the residence despite officers blocking his path and verbal commands for him to remain outside,” police said. “Officers requested a backup and they attempted to place Hayes’ hands behind his back; however, Hayes broke free of the officers’ grasp and pushed one of the officers into a wall.”
“Once on the ground, Hayes attempted to get up and continued resisting officers,” police said. “Officers utilized two deployments of the taser, as well as body weight and physical force during the altercation, which lasted for approximately two and a half minutes before officers were able to handcuff Hayes.”
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Hayes was arrested and booked on suspicion of resisting arrest.
