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Philly Cops Caught on Tape Stomping Suspects

City's cops on edge as hunt for cop killer continues

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 7, 2008 4:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – A TV news helicopter has filmed six Philadelphia police officers repeatedly kicking and punching three suspects pulled from a car. The city's police commissioner said it "does not look good," but emphasized that the department "won't rush to judgment." Philly cops have been on edge since an officer was shot dead during a robbery on Saturday, he said, and one suspect is still being hunted.

The three suspects were pulled over after they fled a scene where shots were reported, officials said. A lawyer for the men, who have been charged with criminal conspiracy, assault and reckless endangerment, said there's no excuse for the beatings. The tape "clearly shows a lack of any reasonable investigation before these police yank these individuals out of the car and take turns delivering blows," he said.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

A digital billboard along side Interstate 95 in Philadelphia photographed Tuesday, May 6, 2008, displays the image of accused cop killer Eric DeShawn Floyd. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

This image released by WTXF-TV Fox Philadelphia shows police officers kicking and beating suspects pulled from a car during a traffic stop on Monday May 5, 2008 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo)

This image made from television and released by WTXF-TV Fox Philadelphia shows police officers kicking and beating suspects pulled from a car during a traffic stop on Monday May 5, 2008 in Philadelphia.... (AP Photo)

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Philly police officers beat suspects after responding to report of shot fired. (kharisjohnson)

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Philly Cops Caught on Tape Stomping Suspects