Video shows APD officer pepper spraying man in custody

*Update 2*

The Austin Police Association also released a statement.

"We're aware of the video, and it's easy for some to criticize those few seconds on tape, but what the video doesn't show is what happened in the hours that led up to that moment. A full investigation will reveal more information about what led to the officer's actions."

-Andrew Romero
Vice President
Austin Police Association


 

*Update 1*

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo has made mention of the APD officer pepper spraying a man in custody on his official Twitter. It says: 


FOX 7 has obtained footage from the Peaceful Streets Project showing an APD officer pepper spraying a man in police custody.

WATCH THE VIDEO

The footage was taken late Thursday Night.  According to the uploaded video's caption, "The Peaceful Streets Project and WeCopwatch have come together to launch a 10 day straight campaign for SXSW 2016 in Austin. The campaign consist of nightly copwatches, know your rights and cop watch college trainings throughout the city."

In the video a police officer opens the door to an armored police vehicle to speak with what appears to be a cuffed suspect. The officer can be heard asking, "What did I tell you about kicking the door?"

The suspect replies, "I didn't do nothing" and that is when the officer reached in to the vehicle and pepper sprayed the suspect in the face.

Officer repeats, "What did I tell you about kicking the door?" and then closes the door to the armored vehicle.  The suspect can be heard crying out.

The video that was produced by Peaceful Streets is edited and the events that lead up to this encounter are not on the clip.  

Later in the video it does appear that APD officers are bringing the suspect some water.

According to APD, "The Austin Police Department is aware of the incident captured on video and has launched an internal investigation. Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Austin Office of The Police Monitor at (512) 974-9090."