Warning: Video Contains NSFW Language
A video has gone viral on Twitter after what appears to be Ocean City, MD police using excessive force on a teenager for vaping on the boardwalk.
19-year-old Brian Anderson is seen in the clip that was taken Saturday night holding up his hands surrounded by at least five cops. He suddenly appears to have fallen to the ground, clutching his stomach as it appears one officer has drawn their taser.
The scene caused a commotion of bystanders upset over what had just taken place. Three other teenagers were then arrested: one for yelling profanities, one for allegedly threatening to throw a bike at an officer and another for becoming disorderly after a warning.
"They literally HOG TIED him, took off his shoes and took his pants," says a witness who took video footage.
According to a news release by Ocean City, the debacle started when police officers "observed a large group vaping on the boardwalk" and that they had been warned of "the local ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping outside of the designated areas on the Boardwalk."
At least one person continued to vape after the warning, and that person "refused to provide his proof of identification and became disorderly" and then "resisted arrest."
The release goes on to acknowledge the video being circulated on social media. "Our officers are permitted to use force, per their training, to overcome exhibited resistance."
Anderson was charged with disorderly conduct, resist/interference with arrest, second-degree assault and failure to provide proof of identity.
Anderson and the other three teens who were arrested in the incident are reportedly all from Harrisburg, PA.
Source: NYPost.com