http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/758737 ... -jail-cell
A US police officer has been caught on video kicking a 15-year-old girl, slamming her to the floor of a jail cell, ripping her hair out and punching her.
The graphic surveillance video was released by authorities in the assault case against Deputy Paul Schene, who is accused of using excessive force, the Associated Press reports.
The attack begins after the teen, brought in over a car theft investigation, enters the cell and kicks off one of her shoes towards the deputy.
Schene, who has pleaded not guilty, appears to kick the girl and pushes her against a wall before grabbing her hair and slamming her to the ground.
A second officer enters the cell while the beating continues, and the pair holds the girl to the floor before eventually leading her out of the room by her hair.
"We believe this case is beyond just police misconduct, it's criminal misconduct," prosecutor Daniel Satterberg said.
"This is clearly excessive force."
Court documents show the victim complained of breathing problems after the attack.
She was later charged over with theft and third-degree assault, which related to her alleged attack against the deputy.
But according to Ian Goodhew, the prosecutor's chief of staff, the teen was never formally charged.
Documents also revealed that Schene told investigators that once he was struck by the teen's shoe, he entered the cell to "prevent another attack".
The girl failed to comply with his orders in the holding area, he said.
Schene has been investigated previously over shooting two people, killing one, while in the line of duty in 2002 and 2006.
His actions were found to be justified.