LAPD officers investigated for excessive force, apparently caught on tape

(CBS/KCBS) LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles police chief says he has "serious concerns" about a videotaped arrest that shows a woman in handcuffs being thrown to the ground by two officers.

Michelle Jordan, 34, said she was pulled over on Aug. 21 by Foothill Division officers for driving while talking on her cellphone, CBS Los Angeles reports.

Security video from a Del Taco restaurant at Foothill Boulevard and Saluda Avenue shows the two officers talking to Jordan before she gets out of her car.

In the video officers are seen taking her to the ground twice, while she's in handcuffs.

"She doesn't appear to be a threat. The cops dealt with her as though she was clearly a threat," Jordan's attorney, Sy Nazif, said.

According to KNBC-TV, Nazif said his client made some "unwise moves" but said that did not warrant physical assault.

Nazif said the officers' interaction with each other was almost as disturbing as the violence, CBS Los Angeles reports.

"You'll see that once she's in the squad car, the two officers 'fist bump' as if to say, 'job well done today,'" he said.

Photos appear to show scrapes on Jordan's face, shoulders and chest. She was booked for resisting arrest and released.

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said in a statement Tuesday, "My initial review of the officers' statements and the recorded video cause me to have serious concerns about this use-of-force. We will investigate this thoroughly and hold our officers accountable for their actions."

Both officers have been reassigned to non-field duties pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation. Attorneys for Jordan said they plan to file a legal action by the end of this week, CBS Los Angeles reported.