Charges dropped against man who was repeatedly punched on video by an Auburn PD officer

Charges have been dropped against a man who was repeatedly hit by an Auburn police officer while being detained last week.

On Oct. 28, an Auburn police officer responded to a call that a man was running in and out of traffic and trying to get into moving vehicles on Auburn Way North.

Video of the encounter appears to show an officer on top of the man while attempting to handcuff him and repeatedly striking him in the head and face.

Auburn police said the man refused to comply with officers’ commands, prompting an officer to use a Taser. When the officer tried to handcuff the man, the department says a struggle ensued. The department said it ultimately took four officers to get the man under control and into handcuffs.

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The man did not appear to be seriously injured, according to police, but he was taken to a hospital.

The man’s lawyer said that his injuries were more serious, and that his client had a concussion.

On Nov. 5, the charges against the man being hit were dismissed without prejudice. He had been charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, attempted assault of a law enforcement officer, and possession of a controlled substance.

“The City of Auburn Prosecutor’s Office made the decision to dismiss the charges that were pending against [the man], without prejudice. This allows the prosecutor to refile charges tailored to the facts and circumstances as they come to light during the investigation process,” the Auburn Police Department said.

The same day, the man’s lawyer held a press conference calling on the officer to resign.

“The City’s own cameras recorded this,” said Evan Oshan, the managing partner of Oshan & Associates. “[The man] was on the ground. The officer was on top of him, and he kept punching him in the head. Someone who does that should not be wearing a badge. Officer Bryant should resign today.”

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As of this writing, the officer was placed on administrative leave.

The Auburn Police Department issued a statement on Oct. 30 that said, in part:

The Auburn Police Department takes all officer-involved incidents seriously and treats these investigations with the utmost urgency. We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, maintaining transparency throughout the process, and ensuring fair treatment for everyone involved.

In an effort to be as transparent as possible, we have released the available officer body-worn camera, dash camera, and traffic camera footage related to this incident below.

The investigation remains ongoing, and we will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and appropriate to release.”