Officer In Viral 'Takedown' Video Placed On Administrative Leave
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - A police officer in Fort Collins who is seen in a video that went viral throwing a woman to the ground outside a bar has been placed on administrative leave by his department.
Police said Thursday that the action regarding Officer Randall Klamser was being done "in response to the general climate created by the public response to this incident" and not because of a disciplinary concern.
The incident in question is the April 6 arrest of Michaella Surat, 22, a Colorado State University student, on assault charges. Her attorney says the takedown of Surat before her arrest by Klamser was an example of excessive force, but police have said the video doesn't tell the whole story. Arrest paperwork shows Surat had hit an officer multiple times.
Police say they will release body cam footage of the incident at a future date.
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Police wrote in a prepared statement that they are "committed to preserving a process that ensures fair and impartial outcomes for Ms. Surat and Officer Klamser."