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Probe into video of violent arrest

Suspect repeatedly struck in the face by Los Angeles police

EXCESS FORCE: An image from a video shot by a Los Angeles resident shows policemen arresting a suspect on a Hollywood street on August 11, 2006. - PHOTO: AP

Los Angeles: Video footage posted on Youtube.com showing a police officer repeatedly striking a suspect in the face during an arrest three months ago has triggered an FBI investigation.

The video shows two officers holding down William Cardenas (24) on a Hollywood street as one punches him several times in the face before they are able to handcuff him. One of the officers appeared to be pressing his knee on Mr. Cardenas' neck, and the struggling suspect yells repeatedly, ``I can't breathe!''

The footage, shot by an area resident, came to the FBI's attention on Thursday, prompting investigators to open a civil rights inquiry into the August 11 incident, agency spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.

The police department has begun its own criminal and administrative investigations into the officers' use of force, said police spokesman Lt. Paul Vernon. — AP

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