The video, made public on Monday, revealed Carter pursuing the individual for nearly 10 minutes before the man was briefly knocked unconscious by Carter’s blows.
A recent incident involving former Charleston County deputy James Carter III has sparked controversy following the release of body camera footage depicting Carter repeatedly punching a man after a car chase in South Carolina
The footage shows James Carter III aggressively confronting the man, who was on his knees with his hands down, before delivering at least eight punches to the man’s head. Following the assault, James Carter III, who is white, handcuffed the 32-year-old Black man and callously asked if he enjoyed his momentary loss of consciousness. This incident occurred despite the man not showing any signs of resistance.
Carter’s attorney defended his actions, asserting that James Carter III, familiar with the man’s criminal history, made a split-second decision to protect himself when he perceived a potential threat around the man’s waistband. The attorney emphasized that James Carter III ceased his actions as soon as he believed the threat had subsided.
Charged with misconduct in office and misdemeanor assault and battery, James Carter III, an 8-year veteran in the sheriff’s office, was dismissed following an internal investigation triggered by a warning system flagging concerns about his conduct
While the lawyer for the assaulted man deemed the incident egregious and emphasized the lack of opportunity for surrender, the sheriff defended Carter’s lone involvement, stating that other officers were not present during the assault.
The video has stirred demands for a deeper investigation into the Charleston Sheriff‘s Office. The assaulted man’s attorney called for immediate scrutiny into the department, suspecting possible tolerance and encouragement of such behavior among other members. Despite James Carter III’s claims of self-defense, the footage has raised questions about excessive force and sparked debates about the conduct of law enforcement officers in high-pressure situations.
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