PASSAIC, N.J. (WPIX) -
A police officer in New Jersey, captured on surveillance tape viciously beating a mentally ill man, has been reassigned while an investigation into the incident is underway.
Passaic cop Joseph J. Rios III, a seven-year veteran of the force, has not been charged in the May 29 attack but instead has been assigned to desk duty.
Rios is seen on tape, outside of Lawrence's Bar and Grill at the corner of Summer Street and Main Ave, throwing 49-year-old Ronnie Holloway to the ground, striking him several times on the back and at one point even hitting Holloway in the ribs with his baton.
"The video of this incident is extremely disconcerting," said Mayor Alex Blanco in a statement issued late Saturday. "I urge the community to withhold judgment until a complete investigation of the incident is concluded and reviewed by independent law enforcement officials."
Holloway, who has filed an Internal Affairs report, claims he was taking his routine walk when he was suddenly approached by Rios and another officer in a police cruiser. Holloway said he was zipping up his sweatshirt, as requested by the female officer, when Rios launched the attack. Holloway said Rios jumped out of his cruiser and threw him against a car hood for no reason.
Holloway, who reportedly suffers from schizophrenia, was arrested after the incident and charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and wandering with the intent to purchase drugs.
Passaic cop Joseph J. Rios III, a seven-year veteran of the force, has not been charged in the May 29 attack but instead has been assigned to desk duty.
Rios is seen on tape, outside of Lawrence's Bar and Grill at the corner of Summer Street and Main Ave, throwing 49-year-old Ronnie Holloway to the ground, striking him several times on the back and at one point even hitting Holloway in the ribs with his baton.
"The video of this incident is extremely disconcerting," said Mayor Alex Blanco in a statement issued late Saturday. "I urge the community to withhold judgment until a complete investigation of the incident is concluded and reviewed by independent law enforcement officials."
Holloway, who has filed an Internal Affairs report, claims he was taking his routine walk when he was suddenly approached by Rios and another officer in a police cruiser. Holloway said he was zipping up his sweatshirt, as requested by the female officer, when Rios launched the attack. Holloway said Rios jumped out of his cruiser and threw him against a car hood for no reason.
Holloway, who reportedly suffers from schizophrenia, was arrested after the incident and charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and wandering with the intent to purchase drugs.
