Delco Cop Seen Hitting Suspect's Face In Viral Video

CHESTER, PA — A Delaware County police officer is on leave after video showed him striking an arrestee in the face while the man was on the ground.

According to the Chester Police Department, Officer Michael Brodzinski has been placed on administrative leave as an investigation into the incident progresses.

The video captured an incident that began at about 2:26 p.m. Tuesday near 700 West Second Street in Chester, police said.

Brodzinski initiated a traffic stop and during the stop, the driver, identified as 42-year-old Wayne Vick, got out the vehicle and ran off, police said.

Brodzinski chased Vick and used his taser on him, according to police.

At some point, Brodzinski had Vick on the ground as he tried to detain him.

The video showed Brodzinski striking Vick at least twice in the face while trying to take him into custody.

"This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness," police said in a news release. "The department is actively reviewing all available evidence, including full body-worn camera footage, to ensure a thorough and impartial review."

Vick was taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest, evading arrest, poses session of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"We acknowledge that a portion of the incident has been widely shared online; however, it is important to emphasize that the video circulating on social media does not capture the full context," police said. "Additional video evidence, including complete footage from Officer Brodzinski’s body-worn camera, documents the encounter from initiation to conclusion."

Police urged the public not to jump to conclusions after seeing the video.

"Transparency, accountability, and community trust remain central to the mission of the Chester Police Department," police said. "We are committed to a fair and objective assessment of the facts."

Chester Mayor Stefan Roots called the video "deeply concerning," and said he asked the Delaware County District Attorney to launch an independent investigation into the incident

"We are committed to the truth, to justice, and to ensuring that our police department reflects the values of our community—accountability, professionalism, and respect for every individual while upholding its duty to protect," Roots said.