An Arkansas police officer has been placed on leave while his department investigates him for placing a student in a chokehold.
The incident, which was caught on video and has been circulated on social media, happened on Monday morning.
In the video, Camden Police Officer Jerry Perry is standing behind a student, with his arms wrapped around his neck.
He lifts him up multiple times in what appears to be an attempt to restrain the boy.
After Officer Perry puts down the student, he keeps one arm around his neck as he walks with the student out of the camera’s view.
It is not known what caused the altercation, which appears to take place in the school's cafeteria.
Officer Perry was assigned as a school resource officer (SRO) at Camden High School. His leave is effective immediately pending investigation, Camden Police Chief Boyd Woody said in a statement.
“As the Police Chief, I will not tolerate misconduct from my officers and this matter will be dealt with accordingly,” said Chief Woody.
Camden Fairview Superintendent Fred Lilly said he is aware of Monday's altercation and that the school district will cooperate with the police department.
“In order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, Camden Fairview School District will work with the Camden Police Department to ensure that current policies and procedures for all SROs stationed at CFSD schools are reviewed and revised if necessary,” Lilly said.
