Memphis Mayor A C Wharton has called for an investigation into the
conduct of Memphis police officers on Beale Street after grainy video
shot on a cell phone appears to show cops using excessive force in
subduing a suspect.

The video was reportedly shot on the famed street on
Oct. 2. The video shows several officers subduing the suspect outside
the A Schwab’s store. One officer seems to strike the suspect —
identified as Jarrell Williams — several times.

According to the police affidavit, Williams refused the leave Beale
when officers tried to clear the street. The officer said Williams
pulled his fist back, as if to throw a punch. They then took him to the
ground and used pepper spray on him. The affidavit says two officers
also suffered minor injuries.

In his statement, Wharton said: “I have spoken with Memphis Police
Director Toney Armstrong and have called for a swift investigation of
the incident. Even though no victim has come forward with an official
complaint, we are both deeply troubled by the impression created by this
video and are moving forward to determine if there was wrongdoing on
the part of any of Memphis’ Finest.”