A Detroit police officer has been placed on administrative duty after he was recorded on cellphone video using a baton to strike a man suspected of shoplifting from a retail store.
Police Chief James Craig said Monday that the 65-year-old officer failed to de-escalate the Oct. 8 confrontation at a Meijer store. The officer was off-duty and working as a security guard.
Craig said he will not seek charges against the 23-year-old man who suffered a broken tooth and bruised face.
Prosecutors are reviewing the case for possible excessive force use by the officer.
Attorney Geoffrey Fieger has filed a lawsuit on behalf of David Bivins against the Meijer Corp., the officer and other security guards at the store.
The Associated Press left messages Monday evening seeking comment from Meijer.