Atlanta Police investigates use of force complaint

ATLANTA - An Atlanta police officer is on administrative duty while the department investigates an incident where he threw a man to the ground earlier this month.

The altercation happened outside the AK Food Store on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard July 13.

According to attorney Gerald Griggs, his client, Antoine Harris, 29, went to the store to buy groceries. He had a short interaction with police and left the scene. Body camera video released by the Atlanta Police Department shows the officers follow Harris down the street as they exchange words. The tape does not include audio until after one of the police officers picks Harris up and forces him to the ground.

"My concerns are the use of force," said attorney Gerald Griggs. "I don't really see what crime was being committed and to rise to that level of force."

Harris, Griggs said, was charged with pedestrian in the roadway and disorderly conduct.

"The Atlanta Police Department has opened an Office of Professional Standards investigation into this to determine if any department policies or procedures were violated," the department wrote in a statement to FOX 5. "The officer shown forcing the man to the ground has been placed on administrative duty pending the investigation."

Atlanta Police identified the officer involved as Officer Fortson.

"I applaud the chief for taking those steps. Hopefully, that internal investigation will find fault with the officer and he will either be suspended or terminated, but we are still going to pursue some sort of criminal action against that officer," said Griggs.