MARYVILLE, Tenn. - The FBI has opened an investigation into whether a Blount County Sheriff's Office deputy violated the civil rights of an arrested man.
Department video requested by The Knoxville News Sentinel in June was released Tuesday and the newspaper says it shows one of the arresting officers repeatedly punching and kicking a suspect who is on the ground.
The March 25 incident began when former Sevierville Police Department Detective Timothy Coulter was arrested on a domestic violence complaint. During the arrest, police said Coulter rammed a police car.
When Coulter surrendered, Blount County Attorney Craig Garrett says he was punched and kicked by Sgt. Doug Moore, who was suspended for three days following the incident.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard Lambert says the agency reviewed the video and is investigating.