Cell Phone Video Captures Prisoner Escape, Assault Incident In PG County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—Authorities in Prince George's County are continuing their investigation after they say a prisoner escaped from a police vehicle and assaulted officers on Saturday.

WJZ's Tracey Leong has the latest on the investigation.

It happened around 5:00 p.m. near Wells Parkway and Route 1 in College Park.

According to investigators, the incident began following a traffic stop when police smelled marijuana and questioned those in the car. During the encounter police say the suspect, 21-year-old Giovanti Young assaulted two Prince George's County officers. Following the arrest Young claimed he was injured and was then taken to the hospital.

After finding no injuries police say he was taken back into custody where he managed to jump out of the police cruiser.

During the escape, Young allegedly kicked, spit and bit one officer just before another officer had to use his taser to apprehend him.

Police release dash cam video showing Young's aggression towards officers.

Part of the incident--moments after Young escapes from the cruiser-- is also captured on Twitter by the user @yungthugrat. In the video, the officer is seen holding down Young, who is handcuffed and being punched.

Prince George's County Policy Deputy Chief Hank Stawinski defended his officer and says that the video on Twitter doesn't tell the whole story.

"There's a one-dimensional picture of this officer being painted across this country that doesn't represent who he is and doesn't represent who we are," Stawinski said. "The individual would not yield, would not comply and unfortunately force had to be used, but it was used in a measurable way to gain control."

Police say Young remains in custody at this time. He is facing multiple counts for attacking police officers.

One of the officers was treated at an area hospital for his injuries.