I think the over-reaction started when the officer jumped on the guy’s back. It simply wasn’t necessary.
Issue a citation, for pete’s sake. Tell him to appear in court. But loose cigarettes aren’t a violent crime, so violence is not even a remotely justifiable response.
“Issue a citation, for pete’s sake.”
That is exactly right. I was thinking the same thing. Why didn’t the cops just issue a ticket and tell the guy to move on away from the retail shop? These guys selling loosies are just a nuisance.
The police are not the judge, jury or executioner.