Ten deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department were placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the beating of a suspect at the end of a horseback pursuit.
During a press conference Friday San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said the beating "appears to be excessive based on what I saw on video."
McMahon asked for the public's patience during the investigation. He referenced his own time spent on pursuits during his 30 year career and said "at the end of a pursuit it is a very difficult time to control your emotions and clearly to control the adrenaline, not that that's an excuse for what occurred yesterday."
NBC4's chopper was rolling overhead when it captured the beating of 30-year-old Apple Valley resident Jared Pusok Thursday, April 9. Deputies attempted to serve a search warrant at Pusok's home when he fled in a car leading officials on a pursuit through Victor Valley before he abandoned the vehicle and stole a horse that he rode on dirt trails, authorities said.
Pusok's mother said the officials acted like they were on a "joyride."
NewsChopper4 caught the end of the pursuit where up to 10 deputies descended on Pusok and appeared to punch and kick him repeatedly for two minutes. The video has since gone viral.
