New Jersey

Video Shows Paterson Cop Pointing Gun, Kicking Man

Authorities are investigating a surveillance video posted to YouTube showing a man being held at gunpoint and kicked by a man claiming to be a Paterson police officer. 

The armed man -- who Paterson police confirmed is a member of the department -- is seen approaching the victim with a gun and ordering him to get to the ground. 

The surveillance video shows the cop kicking the man on the ground, then leaving. A separate cellphone video posted to YouTube shows the officer running after another man while holding a gun and pointing it while yelling. It does not appear the officer is on duty at the time.  

Paterson police said they're reviewing the incident, as well as a stabbing that's part of the same investigation. 

Police Director Jerry Speziale said the man seen being kicked in the video has not filed a complaint, and no witnesses have come forward, but "based on the YouTube video, we have turned over all the reports from both investigations over to the Passaic County prosecutor's office."

The prosecutor's office will either continue with the investigation or send it back to the police department, Speziale said.

The unidentified officer remains on the job, police said. 

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