Police Officer Placed on Leave After Video Shows Him Repeatedly Punching Shirtless Man During Arrest

A Washington state police officer has been placed on administrative leave after video footage appeared to show him repeatedly punching a shirtless man in the head and face during a roadside arrest.

The incident happened on October 28, 2026, in Auburn, south of Seattle. The officer, identified as Andrew Bryant, was responding to reports of a man running through traffic and attempting to enter passing vehicles.

Police identified the man as Mauro Alberto Felix Valles, whose family later said he had been experiencing a mental health crisis.

Body-camera footage released by the Auburn Police Department shows Bryant approaching Valles and ordering him to get on the ground. After Valles did not comply, the officer deployed a Taser. A physical struggle followed as Bryant attempted to restrain and handcuff him.

Video from the officer’s body camera, traffic cameras and a nearby vehicle appears to show Bryant striking Valles repeatedly in the head and face while trying to gain control of him. Some reports counted more than 20 punches, while other footage reviews described more than two dozen.

Bryant later told fellow officers that he believed Valles had reached for his service weapon or holster during the struggle. He said he continued striking the man until he stopped.

A witness who recorded part of the incident questioned the amount of force used. He said Valles appeared unable to roll over while the officer continued punching him and described the man as visibly injured.

Valles was taken to a hospital before being booked on allegations including disorderly conduct, obstruction and attempted third-degree assault, along with a non-felony drug-possession matter. His family said he suffered a concussion and other injuries. He has since been released, and prosecutors had not announced a charging decision in the reports available.

The Auburn Police Department placed Bryant on administrative leave and said it would conduct a thorough internal investigation. The Renton Police Department is also conducting an independent review to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

The footage has raised questions about whether the level of force used was justified, particularly as the encounter continued on the ground. Investigators will need to examine the full sequence of events, including the reported struggle over the officer’s equipment, before reaching conclusions.

For now, Bryant remains on leave while the reviews continue. No final determination about whether his actions violated department policy or the law has been announced.

Source: dailymail