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Video Of Sacramento Officer's Altercation With Jaywalking Suspect Prompts Probe

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A Sacramento police officer is on leave this morning after video captured him using force to take down a jaywalking suspect.

Dramatic video taken by a witness clearly shows the office taking down the pedestrian.

The Sacramento Police Department confirms the officer stopped a suspect for illegally crossing near the intersection of Cypress Street and Grand Avenue late Monday afternoon. The suspect began to take off his jacket and the officer tackled him.

Naomi Montaie, who is friends with the suspect, captured the video of the incident.

Sacramento police say they also have dash cam video from a number of police cars.

Early Tuesday morning, the department issued a statement about the event.

"The videos of this incident portray actions and behavior that we would consider unacceptable conduct by a Sacramento Police Officer.  As a result, the Department's Internal Affairs Division is investigating the event. This evening, the involved officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation," the statement read, in part.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg has also issued a statement about the investigation into the altercation.

"I find the actions of this officer extremely disturbing and they are not representative of the training nor the expectations we have for our Police Department. It is my understanding the officer has already been placed on leave and the department is conducting an internal investigation to review his actions. I also anticipate a swift and thorough investigation from our Office of Public Safety and Accountability and will be in contact with community leaders as this process unfolds," Steinberg's statement reads.

Police are encouraging any witnesses to come forward and they are offering up to a $1,000 reward for any information. Witnesses can remain anonymous.

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