Police Re-Arrest Suspect Whose Head Was Stomped By Cop In Viral Video
(CBS) – A Chicago man whose violent arrest went viral on the Internet has been arrested again and charged, officials said.
Shaquille O'Neal, 24, is charged with aggravated battery and resisting arrest, in connection with an arrest that occurred Thursday, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. O'Neal is also charged with aggravated battery to police officer, aggravated battery by strangulation and possession of a controlled substance in connection with an arrest that occurred earlier this week, in the 3900 block of West Grenshaw Street.
It was that earlier scrape with authorities that drew wide attention. Video posted on social media showed a Chicago police officer stomping on O'Neal's head as another officer tried to arrest him.
The officer is on desk duty while the Independent Police Review Authority investigates.
O'Neal had been released from custody Wednesday, with no charges. On Thursday, when he was re-arrested, police say he resisted and was Tasered.
O'Neal's earlier arrest and release enraged the police union. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 said O'Neal was spotted in a drug deal and bit an officer.
"As members of the Chicago Police Department, we are more than tired of being considered by some to be second class citizens and not worthy of the same protections under the law guaranteed to any other citizen," the union said in a statement.
O'Neal was expected in bond court Friday afternoon.