• Based on a preliminary review, the incident in the video occurred on Jan. 23, the RPD said. A man, later identified as Kevin Donald Hursey, 39, was reported to be attempting to get into parked vehicles in the parking lot of a hospice care facility in the 1200 block of Willis Avenue, police said.
• According to the reporting party, Hursey attempted to pull something out of his pocket when he was confronted by staff. Initially two officers were dispatched to the call and contacted the suspect in the parking lot. He was uncooperative with officers, RPD said, and appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The RPD said the suspect “continued to place his hands in his waistband area as though he was trying to retrieve a weapon.” Officers attempted to deescalate with the suspect for several minutes without success. Additional officers were requested.
• The police chief said, due to Hursey’s erratic behavior and refusal to comply with the officers’ orders, officers deployed a less lethal bean bag round and police K-9. Ultimately the man was taken into custody after a significant struggle, officials said.
• “The end of the video shows one Redding Police Officer forcefully stepping on the head of the suspect,” Chief Schueller said. “My staff and I took the following immediate steps: The officer in question was placed on paid administrative leave as required under California law and the Redding Police Officers Association Memorandum of Understanding. The officer’s peace officer powers were suspended. My Professional Standards Unit immediately began an investigation,” he added.

Tagged: Crime Blotter