Jersey City, NJ – After a video went viral of Jersey City police officers kicking an innocent victim in the head and dragging the victim after a fiery crash, Jersey City officials are looking to terminate the officers involved, reports NJ.com.
The video, obtained by Univision and shared with The Jersey Journal, shows a man emerging from a burning car on Tonnelle Avenue covered in flames. The man appears to have extinguished the fire himself and is then kicked in the head and neck area by a police officer. He is then dragged.
Hudson County prosecutor’s office said it “believes with certainty that this man is the bystander from West New York who suffered burns.”
Authorities say Leo Pinkston, 48, is led police on a six-mile chase from the Greenville section of Jersey City to the Heights. Police fired multiple shots at Pinkston’s car during the pursuit.
The 28-year-old West New York man is “fighting for his life” with severe burns and facial injuries, a friend said.
City officials said there are “serious concerns” with how the officers conducted the pursuit.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said the city will seek to terminate and press charges against the cops seen in the video.
“To be clear, we are working with the HCPO and are in the process of identifying the officers on this video,” Morrill said in a statement.
“Once we clearly identify all the officers involved we will be seeking termination in addition to any possible criminal penalties in appropriate cases.”
