There are calls for two officers to face criminal charges after video emerged showing them using their fists and batons to hit a suspect who seemed to be surrendering.
The incident in San Francisco comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the police’s use of force after several high-profile confrontations with suspects that have led to protests across the country.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office said Stanislav Petrov had fled in a suspected stolen car, rammed a police vehicle and led officers on a high-speed chase before he was arrested.
Public Defender Brendon Woods said the incident was “disgusting”, and said it reminded him of the police beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles in 1991.
“Those deputies viciously attacked a man who appeared to be surrendering,” said Woods, whose office is likely to defend Petrov against criminal charges, reports Sky News.
“They beat him with their batons even though he was not resisting. This is clearly excessive force.”
The CCTV footage, posted on YouTube by the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, shows Petrov running into an alley in the city’s Mission district before he is tackled by one of the sheriff’s deputies.
Petrov can be seen trying to stand, surrendering and shielding himself from the blows a number of times.
Alameda County Sheriff Sergeant J.D. Nelson said the incident began around 1.30am last Thursday in San Leandro, when officers were checking on a stolen vehicle.
Sergeant Nelson said Petrov fled and rammed a sheriff’s cruiser, causing a deputy to suffer minor injuries.
A 38-minute chase then ensued, ending with Petrov crashing into a parked car and fleeing on foot.
He said Petrov had a criminal history and would face a number of charges.
Sergeant Nelson added that two deputies had been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
“The video concerns everyone,” he said.
The San Francisco Public Defender’s Office said criminal charges should be pursued against the officers involved.
A spokeswoman for the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office said Petrov remains in hospital recovering from broken bones in his hands and arms and cuts to his head.
