An eyewitness video of the Hayward Police Department allegedly kicking and punching the suspect during an arrest in California have prompted police to launch an investigation into the use of excessive force.

The video, released today, 9th April, by the HPD was taken during the arrest of 35-year-old Mr Keith Swain at a shopping mall parking lot on Santa Clara Street near Jackson Street, in Hayward, in the US state of California, on 4th April.

The footage starts with officers standing behind the driver’s side door of a police car, weapons drawn.

At the start of the video, you can hear a less deadly shot fired.

A less deadly shot can be heard at the beginning of the footage, followed by police officers repeatedly telling the suspect “do not move.”

The video shows the suspect carrying out the orders of the police and constantly repeating “I’m going to sue you.”

A cop appears to kick the perpetrator while another allegedly punches him.

In an official statement, the Hayward Police Department said: “Earlier this week, a cell phone video surfaced depicting the use of force incident involving Hayward Police Offices, which is currently under review by the Hayward Police Department’s Internal Affairs Units.

“In an effort to remain transparent, we want to provide the community with updated information regarding the circumstances that led to the contact with Mr Keith Swain”.

Another piece of footage, which preceded the incident, was released by the Hayward Police Department.

Swain is seen, allegedly armed and intoxicated, in the video inside a Metro PCS shop, which triggered the 911 call to the Hayward Police Department.

“The 911 call provided a description that matched Mr Swain’s description, and the Hayward Police Offices responded.

“Once Hayward Police Officers arrived, they contacted Mr Swain and could see what appeared to be a holster in his waistband.

“He was given multiple commands, and the use of force depicted in the cell video took place”.

The firearm was recovered, and Mr Swain was arrested on multiple felony counts, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, altering or replacing identifying marks on a firearm, and resisting a peace officer.

According to the police report, Mr Swain suffered no visible injury as a result of this incident. He was offered medical help, but he refused.

In an official statement, Captain Bryan Matthews of the Hayward Police Department said: “The Hayward Police Department takes all use of force incidents seriously and conducts thorough use of force investigations, which typically require investigators to interview multiple witnesses, view numerous hours of video footage, and analyze a significant amount of evidence.

“We do not draw conclusions about whether the officers acted consistently with department policies and the law until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.

“We recognize the community entrusts us with the legal authority to carry out our duties and we do not take that responsibility lightly. We remain committed to transparency.

“When warranted after the investigative process, officers are held accountable within the boundaries of the law”.