A school resource deputy from Riverside County has been reassigned pending an investigation after a video showing a forceful encounter with a juvenile went viral.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday near Vista del Lago High School, situated on the 15000 block of Lasselle Street, as reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials stated that the deputy was dispatched to the scene following reports of a physical dispute among students in the vicinity.
While attempting to detain and cuff one of the youths involved, the juvenile allegedly resisted arrest, prompting the deputy to use force.
The altercation was recorded and posted on Instagram, where it quickly drew widespread attention and ignited intense online debate.
Paramedics were called to the scene to examine the juvenile before the individual was taken into custody on suspicion of battery and resisting arrest.
The sheriff’s office said the deputy has since been reassigned from the school resource program while an internal investigation takes place.
Officials have not released further details about the incident, which remains under review. It’s unclear if the individual is 14 years old, a detail the post included with the video.
“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office takes each use of force very seriously and makes every effort to de-escalate these situations whenever possible,” the department said in a statement to KTLA. “As with all use-of-force incidents, a review will be conducted to ensure compliance with our policy and training standards.”