A police officer in Georgia is now on administrative leave following a violent incident inside a Walmart that has since gone viral online.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Authorities received reports of a disturbance at the Lovejoy store at around 8 PM on Saturday. This prompted officers to respond to the scene.
Footage captured by witnesses shows an officer restraining a man with his arms behind his back before lifting him and slamming him forcefully to the ground.
Georgia Officer Placed on Leave After Walmart Incident
The man, who authorities have not identified, appeared to lose consciousness following the impact.
Witnesses described a frightening moment, claiming his eyes rolled to the back of his head after the slam.
Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital shortly after the incident.
Lovejoy Police Chief Steve Wright told Fox 5 Atlanta that the man will not face any charges in connection with the disturbance.
Officials have not released an update regarding his medical condition.
"The officer just lifted him up, and to everyone's surprise, BAM! Slammed him to the ground, and you could hear the impact to the floor," a witness said.
"I thought he was dead, everybody thought he died, clocked out."
The same witness added that she believes the officer should be fired over the incident.
Investigation Underway as Department Responds
On Sunday, the Lovejoy Police Department confirmed it placed the officer on administrative leave "pending investigation".
"The City of Lovejoy Police Department is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting an incident involving one of its officers at a Walmart location," officials said, via the New York Post.
"The video appears to show an officer engaged in a physical encounter with an individual whose hands appear to be positioned behind his back. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under review."
The department acknowledged growing public concern, stating that it "recognizes the community's interest in this matter."
Officials added that they remain "committed to transparency, accountability and public safety."
Chief Wright said he is reviewing why the officer used that level of force and whether it was necessary.
He added that the internal investigation is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
