BART Cop Caught on Tape Slamming Suspect Through Window

In what is bound to start debate about the BART Police and its role in policing the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, a new video has arisen showing yet another incident between BART police and a suspect, this one non-fatal, fortunately.

On New Year's Day, Johannes Meserle was caught on video shooting a suspect, Oscar Grant, in the back with his service weapon. He has said the incident was a mistake and that he was trying to use his Taser. The trial has been granted a change of venue to Los Angeles and is expected to take place late next year.

In this incident, both Michael Joseph Gibson and the officer involved were injured. Gibson has been charged with felony battery of a police officer, obstructing and resisting an officer, disorderly conduct and public intoxication. However, the officer, whose name has not been released, has been suspended pending an investigation.

The video, taken Saturday night shows Gibson standing in the aisle of a BART train, gesturing wildly at other passengers. He is then pulled out of the car by an unidentified officer and, as the other passengers applaud, the BART officer then can be seen pushing Gibson toward a wall at the West Oakland BART station.

The two both slam into the glass, which shatters and rains down on both of them. The BART officer suffered a concussion, and both he and Gibson were treated at Oakland hospitals for cuts and were later released.

Although BART made it clear it would investigate the case, BART police officers' union President Jesse Sekhon told the San Francisco Chronicle: "You saw the reaction from the patrons. They applauded the officer for doing his job."

Watch the video: