Georgia deputies accused of excessive force during arrest of man injured in crash

The Chattooga County Sheriff's Office in Georgia is currently conducting an internal assessment after deputies were accused of using excessive force while subduing a man they say became violent while being treated after a road accident.

Footage released by T. Madden & Associates, PC shows the arrest of Christopher Cunningham Jr, also known as JJ, on May 16.

T. Madden & Associates, PC represents Cunningham and said the images were recorded by Cunningham's father.

The video shows Cunningham on a stretcher surrounded by paramedics and deputies. At one point, Cunningham gets off the gurney and is thrown to the ground by deputies.

Cunningham's relatives repeated: “He has a head injury.”

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement saying Cunningham became violent while being treated following a Mountain biking accident. According to the Chattooga County Sheriff's Office, Cunningham appeared intoxicated and smelled of alcohol. Cunningham allegedly punched a paramedic in the face and bit a responding deputy, causing him to bleed.

Multiple techniques, including a Taser, were used to subdue Cunningham, the sheriff's office said.

Cunningham's father, sister and mother were all arrested during the fight and charged with misdemeanor obstruction.

The family spoke to local media on May 24, alleging that deputies mistreated Cunningham instead of helping him.

He remained in the hospital on May 24.

T. Madden & Associates, PC is requesting that all charges be dropped against Cunningham and his family due to excessive use of force.

An internal assessment of the incident is underway, Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said. Credit: T. Madden & Associates, PC via Storyful

Video transcription

Out of it.

He'll just be sitting here.

Are you going to jail?

I don't think he has a head injury.

How many times do I have to say it?

He has a head injury.

Head injury.

He has a head injury.

We know that in, I swear to God, I swear to God that we were let go.

It's just what did you buy me?

not a word

He has a head injury.

All right, I'm sitting here and I'm about to buy a OK, OK, OK.

Please.

Oh fuck.

Please wait some more.

No, no, on your stomach.

No!

Wait, hold your stomach.

I got this.

Wait.

Wait.

On your back.

You do this from your bet.

Give me your give me your your You you hold on, hold on.