RONCEVERTE, W.Va. — The chief of police in Ronceverte has been placed on leave after video from a security camera showed what appeared to be an assault on a suspect in custody
The video footage reportedly shows Chief J.R. Byer Jr. kicking Gavin Reid Alderman in the face while Alderman is handcuffed behind his back and lying on the floor. The incident was recorded at the Ronceverte Police Department on April 18, 2018.
According to City Administrator Reba Mohler, Byer was suspended Tuesday.
“The City of Ronceverte just became aware of this video on July 2, 2019. The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave until an investigation is complete,” Mohler said in a statement.
According to court documents, the suspect had been charged with battery on a government employee.