ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. (AP) – Three Tennessee deputies seen on video repeatedly using a stun gun on a man in custody have been put on leave pending an investigation.
Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove initially told news outlets that it appeared deputies had followed correct procedures. But in a recent statement, he said that after reviewing the entire video, he decided to put them on leave and ask the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate.
“As Sheriff, I want our citizens to know that any inappropriate behavior that may have violated an individual’s rights will not be tolerated,” Breedlove said in the statement. “We will work closely and cooperatively with the TBI and District Attorney’s Office to ensure all facts are provided and all angles of this incident are thoroughly investigated.”
News outlets report that the man seen in the video has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the deputies of excessive force. Justin Norris, 19, claims he was stunned more than 40 times.
The sheriff’s office did not respond to repeated telephone calls and voicemail messages Tuesday.