Lenexa police offer their own videos in response to video of arrest posted online

The Lenexa Police Department has issued a statement about an arrest video that captured national attention, saying the officer acted appropriately.

The video pictured an officer who made a traffic stop this week near 95th and Halsey because the individual was not wearing a seat belt. Officers learned the individual had warrants out for his arrest.

Part of the encounter, which included a scuffle on the ground, was posted to Facebook by a civilian.

According to media reports, the civilian complained that he was asked by police to stop recording the incident. Police disputed his version, saying the public has a right to film police activity and they only asked the civilian to move back.

Two body cameras worn by officers and the officer’s in-car dash camera also captured the event.

“These videos show our officers conducting themselves in a respectful and calm manner, and the suspect punching one of the officers without provocation,” the police statement said. “Our officers then restrained the individual on the ground until backup arrived.”

The individual was charged with two counts of felony battery on a law enforcement officer, felony obstruction and traffic charges, and was being held in the Johnson County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.

This story was originally published August 1, 2015 at 1:17 PM with the headline "Lenexa police offer their own videos in response to video of arrest posted online."