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Arrest by Tempe police caught on camera called into question

Posted at 6:39 PM, Jul 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-12 21:39:08-04

Civil rights activists are calling on Tempe police to investigate an arrest made by officers of a homeless man which turned into a physical altercation captured on body camera.

According to Tempe police officials, officers were called to assist a uniformed security guard near Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway around 6 p.m on Wednesday afternoon after the guard reported being approached, threatened, and swung at by a suspect who left the area. 

Police said the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Lloyd Buford McComb Jr., refused to comply with the first officer on scene's orders when approached. The officer attempted to physically sit McComb onto a nearby bench, but police say, McComb grabbed the officer's belt, and a struggle ensued. 

The officer is seen punching McComb on body camera video, which police say was an attempt by the officer to control the situation. Additional officers arrived at the scene and eventually took McComb into custody. 

McComb was taken to the hospital for his injuries where he was eventually released and taken to the Tempe city jail. McComb is facing assault and aggravated assault on a police officer charges.