Cellphone video showed a Black man being kicked by a Canton, Ohio police officer who appears to be complying during an arrest. (Source: Screenshot - WOIO)

CANTON, Ohio — A community in Canton was outraged after seeing a video that went viral showing a police officer kick a Black man who appeared to be complying during an arrest.

Canton Police Department said a suspect identified as 21-year-old Jaemiir McElroy was kicked while he was kneeling on the ground with his hands up and appeared to be complying.

Police were chasing several suspects on Saturday night, including McElroy, and ordered them to the ground after the chase was called off.

Community members aired their frustrations about the relationship between the residents and Canton police during a city council meeting Monday night.

The officer who kicked the man in the chest was identified as Brandon Momirov, who was has been placed on administrative leave. Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said the incident is under investigation.

Bobby DiCello, an attorney representing McElroy, issued a statement, which said:

“The family of Jaemiir McElroy are sickened by the senseless and cruel acts of violence that Jaemiir endured on Saturday. It should not be lost on anyone that after officers attacked him and hospitalized him, they issued charges which find no support in the video. One of those charges, resisting arrest, is not justified by the video: Jaemiir is on his knees with his hands in the air when he is kicked in the head by an officer who charges at him. The family is resolved to get justice for Jaemiir. It is time for the City of Canton to wake up and realize that its police department is attacking its own citizens and treating them as enemy combatants rather than citizens. We remain committed to holding these officers accountable.”

Canton Mayor William V. Sherer released a statement following the incident, which said in part:

“Many of you have seen the video that began circulating over the weekend involving a Canton Police officer kicking a suspect in custody. I’ve said on more than one occasion that we can do better, and I’m tired of saying it. It’s about action. This behavior is not acceptable. This will be handled and will not be tolerated by any department in the City of Canton. I will make it my duty. In doing so, I also want to reiterate that I have total faith in our Police Chief John Gabbard and his ability to lead, but it is unfortunate that we continue to have these isolated incidents that reflect on our entire department.”

Saturday’s kicking incident is the latest controversial use-of-force incident involving Canton PD and Black men.

Earlier this year, a Canton officer was terminated after he was seen on video allowing his K-9 to attack a suspect who was already on the ground being detained. And in April, a Black man died after an altercation with Canton officers who responded to an incident. Those officers were placed on paid administrative leave.

McElroy is expected to appear in court Tuesday morning. He was charged with resisting arrest and obstructing official business.

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