x
Breaking News
More () »

Iowa officer disciplined after yanking suspect’s dreadlocks, hitting his head

An angry white officer repeatedly yanked on the dreadlocks of a handcuffed black man who was arrested after a dangerous high-speed chase in Iowa, then twice hit...
Montavis Keller photo captured from police video

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — An angry white officer repeatedly yanked on the dreadlocks of a handcuffed black man who was arrested after a dangerous high-speed chase in Iowa, then twice hit him on the back of the head.

Video obtained this week by The Associated Press shows Waterloo officer Adam Wittmayer briefly assaulting Montavis Keller, 24, and calling him names after the April 19 chase.

A state prosecutor concluded in June that no criminal charges were warranted against Wittmayer because jurors would understand why he was mad.

Keller is charged with nearly hitting Wittmayer with his car at the end of the chase after Wittmayer put down tire-puncturing sticks to disable it. Keller swerved to avoid the spikes and crashed into a home, severing the electrical and gas line and sparking a small fire, reported KCRG back in April.

Waterloo Police Chief Daniel Trelka says Wittmayer was disciplined and that he doesn’t condone the officer’s behavior.

Before You Leave, Check This Out