Police in Illinois are defending the violent arrest of a 17-year-old after footage of officers punching him in the head sparked protests
Why you can trust Sky News
. The footage showed Hadi Abuatelah, who had fled police after a traffic stop in the village of Oak Lawn, being repeatedly punched in the legs and head by three officers on Wednesday.The clip went viral, prompting several hundred protesters to accuse police of brutalising the teenager and using excessive force.
Hadi remains hospitalised and suffered fractures to his face, skull, and pelvis and swelling of his brain, his mother Dena Natour and lawyers told a news conference.Oak Lawn Police Chief Daniel Vittorio defended the officers' actions and said it was in line with their training, in a news conference on Thursday.
Mr Vittorio alleged that the teenager continued reaching for a shoulder bag that contained a loaded semi-automatic pistol as he struggled with officers.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Huge cordon in place with major police presence after shooting in ManchesterArmed officers are in Great Western Street following the serious incident
Read more »
Lincolnshire Police officer pleads not guilty to sexual offence on womanThe officer was granted unconditional bail
Read more »
Pair avoid jail after Bridgnorth police chase involving stolen car containing machete and cannabisTwo men who led police on a chase though a town in a stolen car which contained a machete and bags of cannabis have avoided prison.
Read more »
Man Who Kissed Stranger on the Cheeks on Green Line Was Wanted for Fraud, Police SayA man wanted on suspicion of fraud in Rhode Island was arrested on the MBTA Green Line in Boston Thursday after allegedly hugging and kissing a stranger on her cheeks Thursday, police said. When officers took the man, Emir Ikanovic, off the trolley at Park Street Station Thursday afternoon, he asked what he did wrong, according to the MBTA Transit…
Read more »