PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh’s police chief is speaking out for the first time about violent arrests that are under review.
Chief Jason Lando says a use-of-force expert is still reviewing the arrest of Roy Cosby.
The end of the arrest was caught on camera by a witness.
Cosby, who police say refused to get off a bus and caused a disturbance, suffered a broken rib and broken facial bones after he was repeatedly punched by an officer who said Cosby failed to comply with commands and then reached into his waist.
The officer says he thought he was reaching for a weapon, but no weapon was found.
That officer has been placed on desk duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Cosby is charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
The other arrest was of a woman police say was intoxicated who allegedly assaulted a medic.
Tamika Depts was handcuffed when, according to a police spokesperson, she attempted to kick an officer.
The officer then took her down, and sources tell 11 Investigates Depts hit her head on the pavement, and she was knocked unconscious.
She’s facing a host of charges including aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.
This case is now under review by the office of municipal investigations.
Lando says he’s now working to get all of the facts in both arrests.
“I just want to be clear that a lot of times where there is a use of force, only a small portion of the story is told publicly. A snippet of it is caught on camera and aired. It’s important for us to get the entire story before we make any judgment one way or another,” Lando said.
The Citizens Police Review Board has also opened investigations into both of these arrests.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Independent Citizen Police Review Board investigating officer’s use of force during arrest
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