Some how I doubt this is how it went down. This is probably not the first time the cop has put himself in a position where he gets to use excessive force. I've read too many accounts and seen too many videos (like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihY829CCOX4)
to just take the cops word for what happened. Besides, RCPD has a reputation of abusing their power. Once they can show the public they're above reproach, I'll take their side first over a drunken idiot.

Looks like his face is red from the pepper spray http://appweb2.augustaga.gov/InmateInquiry/Disclaimer.aspx
keyword- Riddle

you tell them fatboyhog. Drunks are dangerous!

This is right behind my old place. There is always lots of rowdy punk-rock folks hanging around that club, but we never really had many problems except graffitti. The club owners are very active and police themselves very well, plus the folks are gone pretty early usually (this is a all ages club I think) so this sounds like a fluke where someone was drunk and they needed help. That is waht the cops are for.

Sounds like Riddle wanted to show how tough he was and got a good opportunity to do just that.

Good luck getting off easy with violent actions towards an officer,

Brad

There were no alcohol or drugs involved. Force....was. Putting a fist up does not warrant the beating, I have seen the bruises. He held off the baton...never taking a gun,as the reference to the weapon might assume. There is so much more to this situation, and yes, he should have left when asked to.

OMALLEN, instead of "reading and critiquing" why don't you go and ride with the RCSO or any department. 99.9% of officers are not ever "looking for trouble", especially in the uniform patrol division. This deputy was "called to the scene", you really don't think he would prefer to be doing something else? The establishment called them because he would not heed their orders to leave so he was a trouble maker prior to the deputies arrival. It not only took the deputy but two by-standers to help him arrest this individual. Upon arrival (with witnesses) the deputy just wanted him to leave but he chose to not listen to the owners, managers, deputy, etc. and he chose to resist arrest and fight, not the deputy. He was probably drunk but alcohol does not excuse his behavior. If we as a country don't start really supporting our officers there will be less and less going into this already thankless job for little pay to save the butts of those who wish to hide behind computers and bash them on a daily basis for simply doing their jobs.

Understanding that the officer gave the suspect a direct order to leave the premises and he refused to leave that should have been a clear sign that the suspect, might have been under the influence of some "substance". What I'm more concerned about is the actions of the officers after non-compliance. Just because the suspect is not responding to verbal commands does not give the officer the right to use un-neccessary force as the officer sees fit. I would hope that there is a third or netural party to keep record of "said" events.

I was not there and did not witness what happened. I can only assume that the facts presented are accurate. As for the comment that the deputy used excessive force, again, I was not there, but can only assume the deputy maybe should have possibly only struck the subject only once with the metal baton. Only the force necessary to bring the situation under control. In my opinion, the deputy acted correctly accordingly to his/her training.

Cops are TRAINED to hit the person 4 times, each elbow and each knee, The purpose is to inflict as much PAIN on the four major joints of the body to incapacitate for a short amount of time. An improperly used baton will result in broken bones. I don't see any mention of injuries. Good job officer.

Here's the sad part for all of you. He was raised by good parents and was a good kid. He has now been arrested three times in the last month. He is walking a very dangerous path and if drugs are not involved, then he has just lost all of his common sense and deserves what he gets when he stands up to an officer like a bully.

It seems that a lot of you have very little understanding of what it takes to spend 12 hours going from call to call not knowing when someone will try to hurt or kill you.

You say this deputy used excessive force because he ended a fight that the other guy started.

If someone drew their fist back as if they were going to hit you, you would hit them first but you expect this deputy to act differently. Be for real!

There is a certain mentality that will jump at the chance to call Police Officers bullies.....these are the same people who get mad when they get tickets for speeding........if you are a law abiding citizen you have no need to hate or fear the Police...if you are a loudmouthed drunk...a leadfooted driver....or a criminal then yes by all means ..be afraid. Good Job Officers!