Houston officer forced to resign after vision of violent baton beating emerges
A police officer in the US has been forced to resign after CCTV of a violent incident emerged in Houston.
The video, dated September 14, shows Darrell Giles appear to be asleep when he is confronted by officers Jairus Warren and Daniel Reynoso.
Houston Metro police chief Vera Bumpers told US media Giles was asked to leave the platform by transit employees, but said he did not cooperate.
The video then shows Officer Warren use his baton to repeatedly strike Mr Giles at a Houston train station.
“He hit me so hard, he knocked me to the ground … he's just standing over me going boom, boom, boom making some noise,” Giles told US media.
“I don't remember too much. All I remember is bracing myself and just taking the licks and I was holding my arm up.”
Chief Bumpers said the incident was the second involving Giles that day, after he was “combative” when asked to leave the platform.
Chief Bumpers said that fact did not excuse Officer Warren’s behaviour.
"Let me just say that I did count the number of times Mr Giles was struck, but one is too many in my opinion if it's not justified,' Bumpers told KTRK.
In his letter of resignation, Officer Warren said it had been a “pleasure” and an “honour” to serve with the METRO police department.
“I am writing this letter to serve as formal notice that effective immediately, I am resigning from my position as a licensed enforcement officer with the METRO police department,” his letter read.
“The department provides a great service to the people of Houston, and I hope you all have continued success.”
Officer Reynoso has been counselled over the incident.
