FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A Lee County deputy is on leave after video circulated on Twitter, appearing to show him elbow a handcuffed suspect in the head.
The video, posted on Thursday, February 14, has already been shared more than 2,000 times. The account starts with a young man in handcuffs, just outside a patrol car. You can see one deputy helping him to drink from a hose. A second deputy is holding his arm to secure him. Then, a third deputy walks into frame and appears to elbow the suspect in the head.
By this afternoon, the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to the tweet, saying simply, "The matter is under investigation." Just before 3:00pm, the sheriff's office notified Fox 4 that the deputy is on leave. They did not give the name of the deputy but said, "An investigation into the relevant events is underway."
We are working to contact witnesses to learn more about the moments leading up to the arrest. We are also working with the sheriff's office to bring you all details as soon as they become available.
