Video Shows GA Deputy Punching Man During Traffic Stop

JACKSON, GA — A Georgia sheriff is defending his deputies accused of punching a man during a traffic stop this week in Jackson after video of the arrest stirred social media controversy.

The arrest of Kelvin Head took place Wednesday and went viral on social media after a video clip of the arrest appeared to show a deputy punching Head twice while detaining him. The sheriff's office has since received backlash from the public.

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long identified Head as the man being arrested. Head appeared to be a passenger in the car, not the driver.

"Force in any applied measure is not pretty," Long said in a video statement that also included body camera footage of the incident. "Force is not a pretty thing, but if you lie about who you are, you're a fugitive from justice, and if you resist my deputies, there's a good chance you might get punched in the face if that's the force necessary to effect the arrest."

Long accused Head of resisting arrest and lying about his identity at least twice previously due to an active warrant against Head from Chatham County. The sheriff said the warrant had been issued for violation of probation on an obstruction charge.

Head acknowledged resisting arrest, Long said. In this incident, Long said the deputies had to use force.

"While we have no desire to ever use force on any citizen, when resisting arrest, it is unfortunately necessary. I want to publicly commend my deputies on a job well done. My deputies were not hurt. The suspect was not hurt, and he will now face justice," Long said.

"I pray for a day when people will stop believing the pushed narrative on social media with a few seconds clip and actually wait for the entire story. Until then, I will continue to be transparent and always stand on the side of right, regardless which side that is."

Head was arrested on charges of giving false name and date of birth to law enforcement, obstruction of an officer and wanted person located, Long said.

After bonding out of the Butts County Jail, Long said Head will be transferred to Chatham County to face the violation of probation charge.

"There's no snippet of a video that's going to be circulated across social media that's going to prevent my deputies from doing their job and maintaining law and order in this community," Long said. "I always stand on the side of right, and this time, my deputies right."