HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Two men who Huntington police say beat up another man last week are in custody in Kentucky and awaiting extradition back to Cabell County.
Huntington police charged James Clapper 21, of Flatwoods, Kentucky, and Brock Mazdra, 18, of Huntington, with malicious assault.
It’s alleged they beat up a 22-year-old man near Ritter Park in Huntington last Wednesday. Police said the attack was recorded and posted on social media. The victim reported the beating to police Friday and the arrests were made Sunday.
“We saw the video,” Huntington Police Department Captain Ryan Bentley said. “It was very violent in nature and we didn’t like it any more than anybody else did. It was a horrendous act, a defenseless man on the ground being repeatedly kicked and punched. It was very degrading and it was awful to watch.”
Bentley said the video was authentic.
“This was very much a real video and this case it helped us–no matter how tragic the video was,” he said.
Bentley was asked during an appearance Monday on MetroNews “Talkline” if the person taking the video would be charged.
“There are more interviews to be conducted. Our detectives are working on this case deligently as we speak,” he said.
The victim has been described as being austic. Bentley would neither confirm nor deny. He did say the man is no longer hosptalized.
“He is out of the hospital and he’s doing much better however he did suffer some pretty substantial injuries specifically to his face,” Bentley said.
Huntington police got help from Kentucky police in making the arrests.