A Riverside County school resource deputy has been removed from campus assignment and is being investigated after video circulated online appearing to show force being used on a juvenile.
The confrontation unfolded around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday in the 15000 block of Lasselle Street, just outside Vista del Lago High School, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the deputy responded after receiving reports of a physical altercation involving students in the area.
During an attempt to detain and handcuff one of the juveniles, the individual allegedly resisted and pulled away, leading the deputy to use force.
Footage shared on Instagram captured the incident and quickly sparked heated reactions online.
Paramedics were called to the scene to examine the juvenile before the individual was taken into custody on suspicion of battery and resisting arrest.
The sheriff’s office said the deputy has since been reassigned from the school resource program while an internal investigation takes place.
Officials have not released further details about the incident, which remains under review. It’s unclear if the individual is 14 years old, a detail the post included with the video.
“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office takes each use of force very seriously and makes every effort to de-escalate these situations whenever possible,” the department said in a statement to KTLA. “As with all use-of-force incidents, a review will be conducted to ensure compliance with our policy and training standards.”
