VIDEO: Hemet police officer allegedly punches trespassing suspect
HEMET, Calif. - The Hemet Police Department is investigating after a video that shows an officer reportedly punching a suspect began circulating on social media, officials said.
Officers were called to a shopping area at the intersection of Stetson Avenue and State Street around 3:30 p.m. Monday to investigate a call of a panhandler. The caller stated the suspect was "becoming aggressive with employees" and he was asked to leave the business.
The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Edmund Franklin and witnesses said he was selling candy.
Shortly after arriving at the scene, officers informed Franklin he was trespassing and was told to leave, adding that if he returned, he could be arrested for trespassing.
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Franklin complied and left the area. However, around 4:13 p.m., officers received a call that Franklin had returned.
Officers returned to the shopping center and found Franklin in the parking lot.
The responding officer attempted to detain Franklin for a trespassing violation "when a use of force occurred," Hemet PD said.
Franklin was arrested for trespassing, resisting an officer, and attempting to disarm an officer.
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