Video of violent arrest triggers FBI probe

Video footage posted on Youtube.com showing a Californian 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.

The struggling suspect yells repeatedly: “I can’t breathe!”

The footage, shot by an area resident, came to the FBI’s attention yesterday, 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.

Both officers have been reassigned to administrative work.

“There’s no denying that the video is disturbing,” Chief William Bratton said at a news conference.

“But as to whether the actions of the officers were appropriate…is what the investigation will determine.”