Attorney plans to file complaint against police after video of man's arrest surfaces on social media

The attorney of the man whose arrest video surfaced on social media said he is planning to file a complaint against police in federal court.

Two officers from New Kensington and the city of Arnold police departments said that both officers have been placed on paid leave.

The video has been viewed more than 100,000 times on Facebook, and the attorney for Justin Harvey, who was arrested, said that it is what happens after the arrest that’s an injustice.

"Watching that video was unconscionable to me, and you can't justify it. I don't care what happened prior to the incident, once the handcuffs went on Mr. Harvey, the incident is over," attorney Todd Hollis said.

Hollis told Channel 11 that the cellphone video shows that police used excessive force on Harvey.

"I think the video is clear. It speaks for itself. It shows Mr. Harvey was face down. Several police officers were punching him in the ribs. One police officer appears to be jumping on his back as he's screaming 'I can't breathe. I can't breathe!'" Hollis said.

According to police paperwork, an Arnold police officer said he saw Harvey, “swerving on the wrong side of the road on 16th Street, nearly hitting the left sidewalk." Officials said the traffic stop ultimately led to a chase – first by car, and then by foot. Officers said Harvey tried to get rid of a gun and marijuana.

Officers said that Harvey fought back when they tried to arrest him and at one point, "hand and grabbed a hold of the officer's Taser, attempting to disarm him."

Hollis said these allegations should not have affected how police treated his client after Harvey was handcuffed.

"If the police want to exact justice, they must do it in a court of law. That’s what our society does. That’s what our Constitution demands. Street justice is an injustice," Hollis said.

The Westmoreland County District Attorney is investigating.

The city of Arnold police released the following statement regarding the incident:

"It is not making any judgment one way or the other on the allegations and wants to ensure the public that it does not condone, sanction or endorse the use of excessive force."

Hollis said he hopes that the investigation is transparent.

"If it happens in Mr. Harvey’s community, it's an injustice there. It's an injustice here. It's an injustice for anybody who gets beat up by the police after the handcuffs are placed on."

Hollis said Harvey had to be treated at the hospital before going to jail, but has posted bond and is home.

Cox Media Group