Oklahoma City officials investigating arrest caught on tape

An investigation into police brutality in Oklahoma City is underway. It will be up to a committee to decide if Oklahoma City police officers used excessive force when they arrested a man 2 days ago.

Wednesday, July 10th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

An investigation into police brutality in Oklahoma City is underway. It will be up to a committee to decide if Oklahoma City police officers used excessive force when they arrested a man 2 days ago.

The near 5-minute struggle between Officer Greg Driskill and Donald Pete was caught on tape by Brian Bates, a self proclaimed "Video Vigilante." The officer was attempting to arrest Pete for soliciting prostitution. Police say Pete put what appeared to be marijuana in his mouth in a possible attempt to destroy evidence.

The tape appears to show Pete refusing to spit it out or put his hands behind his back to be handcuffed. Another officer arrived 4-minutes into the fight. It took both of them another minute to successfully handcuff the man. Officer Driskill and Pete were both treated for minor injuries. A routine investigation of the incident is underway.

Pete has been booked in jail on complaints of destroying evidence, resisting arrest, and assault and battery on an officer.