The Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation into the arrest of New Orleans Pelican Jaxson Hayes for possible excessive use of force.
A 36-second cell phone video fromTMZ shows Hayes on the ground with three officers.
A friend shooting the cell phone video can be heard saying, “Stop. Get your hands off him now. I’ve seen him choking,” right before Hayes is tased in the chest.
Moments later, multiple officers arrive on the scene and the video ends.
Police Chief Michel Moore announced Tuesday that a categorical use of force investigation is underway for Hayes’s case which involves “the possibility of force being applied to the suspect’s neck during the use of force in taking him into custody.”
Officers arrived at Hayes’ home shortly before 3 a.m. on July 28 in response to a domestic disturbance call.
According to an LAPD statement:
Officers made contact with a male, later identified as 21-year old Jaxson Hayes, in the front yard of a residence. 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.
