Seattle police investigating officer who punched teenage girl

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Seattle police say they'll review police tactics and training after an officer was shown on video punching a young woman in the face.

Acting deputy police chief Nick Metz said Tuesday that the department's civilian-led Office of Professional Accountability is investigating the 39-year-old officer's actions.

Officer Ian P. Walsh was trying to cite several people for jaywalking just before Monday's incident, which was captured on cell phone video.

Metz says two of the women who were stopped bear much of the responsibility for not cooperating and resisting arrest.

Seattle Urban League CEO James Kelly says the punch was an overreaction that brought to mind a video taken April 17 of two Seattle officers seen kicking a Hispanic suspect.