An investigation has been launched in Smithfield after an officer was caught on cell phone video landing a punch on someone early Friday morning.
The incident happened outside the Amazon distribution facility on US Business 70.
“The situation didn’t look too good based on the information and what we saw,” said Marlon Lee, a town council member.
He’s seen the video now widely circulating on social media and has also talked to Smithfield’s chief of police.
“Of course, that was just a small tidbit of it but you know we definitely want to know exactly what’s going on that led to that segment,” Lee said.
Police said they had been trying to stop Terrance Ellis with their lights and sirens on for about a mile prior to the facility. Investigators said he continued until he got to the Amazon facility where he was headed for an overnight shift.
Smithfield Police told Eyewitness News not only did Ellis not stop but he swung first at officers.
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