Body camera footage released by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina has revealed a shocking incident involving a fired and arrested deputy. The video shows Deputy James “Hank” Carter III punching a man in the head multiple times after a car chase, causing the man to briefly lose consciousness. The incident has raised concerns about excessive use of force and police brutality.
The chase began when Carter pursued the man in his cruiser for nearly 10 minutes at high speed, eventually leading to a foot chase. The man is seen kneeling with his hands at his side when Carter reaches him in the recording. Despite the man’s compliance, Carter orders him to get down and proceeds to punch him at least eight times in the head. Carter then handcuffs the man, lifts him to his feet, and callously asks if he enjoyed his “little nap.”
The incident has drawn attention to the racial dynamics involved, as Carter is white and the man is Black. In the video, Carter can be heard telling another officer, “it’s your boy,” raising concerns about racial bias. Carter’s lawyer denies any racist component to the arrest, stating that Carter had prior knowledge of the man’s criminal history and believed he posed a threat.
Critics argue that Carter’s use of force was excessive and unnecessary. They point out that the man was already handcuffed and posed no immediate danger. Carter’s attorney, Joseph Cannarella, defends his client’s actions, emphasizing that officers must make split-second decisions to protect themselves and others. However, critics argue that the video evidence speaks for itself and raises serious questions about the officer’s judgment.
Following an internal investigation, Carter was charged with misconduct in office and misdemeanor third-degree assault and battery. The release of the video footage prompted outrage from the man’s attorney, Marvin Pendarvis, who described the evidence as egregious. Pendarvis highlights the potential consequences if Carter had mistaken the man’s actions for a threat and resorted to lethal force.
The incident has also brought attention to the need for further scrutiny of the Charleston Sheriff’s Office. Pendarvis calls for a thorough investigation into those who may have known about and encouraged such behavior. Sheriff Kristin Graziano has acknowledged the need for accountability and transparency within the sheriff’s office.
The release of the bodycam footage serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of police misconduct and excessive force. It raises questions about the training and oversight of law enforcement officers and the urgent need for reforms to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
