Suspect punched and arrested

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Port Alberni RCMP have posted a statement online after video of an officer striking a downed man multiple times exploded on social media on Sunday.

The video shows the officer punching and kneeing the apparently subdued suspect, while onlookers shout insults at the police.

Local officer in charge Inspector Kim Bruce said in the statement that police were called to remove the man from a local business and attempted to arrest him on a breach of release charge.

It is alleged that the suspect assaulted the officer, and during arrest a sharp object was observed in the suspect’s hand and police used forced to disarm him.

Police arrested a 33-year old Port Alberni man who is now awaiting a court appearance.

Requests from local media for interviews and information have been ignored by local police.