HALLANDALE BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have released surveillance video that shows a different view of the controversial arrest of a man in Hallandale Beach.
The video of Wednesday’s arrest in the parking lot of a car wash shows two Hallandale Beach Police officers stopping the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Daniel Dunkelberger, while he was riding his bike. Dunkelberger was accused of stealing a cellphone.
Dunkelberger could be seen handing the officers something from his backpack. As they try to take him into custody, Dunkelberger could be seen moving to the other side of the cruiser, appearing to resist arrest.
One officer is seen using a Taser to stun Dunkelberger before both officers use batons to subdue him. Dunkelberger also appeared to only have one hand cuffed at the time of the arrest.
Cellphone video recorded by a bystander has also been released.
Speaking with 7News on Friday, Dunkelberger’s fiancée, Niecy Tomlinson, said it was difficult to watch the newly released footage.
“When I saw the video, all I could do was cry,” she said as she held back tears. “I hear him crying. I cried.”
The officers have since been identified as Jaime Cerna and Richard Allen.
Witnesses said the law enforcers went too far.
“He’s known to have mental issues,” said a witness who did not want to be identified. “That’s why everyone was yelling at the police officers not to hit him.”
“Nobody deserves anything like that,” said Tomlinson.
Dunkelberger’s mother, Linda Dunkelberger, said it pained her to watch the footage of her son being struck.
“It hurts very badly. Very badly,” said Linda. “To be beating him, it makes no sense to me. I don’t understand this.”
Tomlinson said her fiancé suffers from depression and anxiety, and also has a hard time focusing.
“So, he did something stupid. I wasn’t here. I don’t know anything about it,” she said. “Whether he did it or not, he didn’t deserve what happened.”
In a press conference, Hallandale Beach City Manager Roger Carlton said the two officers are under investigation and have been put on administrative leave.
“I will tell you, after viewing that video, it is of serious concern,” said Roger Carlton.
“What happened to him was brutality and the worst thing ever, and he deserves justice,” said Tomlinson.
Dunkelberger was expected to be brought to Broward County Jail from another facility late Friday night. He will then be eligible to bond out and will likely be fitted with an electronic monitoring device.
His family has retained an attorney.
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