Deputy’s use of force in drug arrest under investigation

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Officials are investigating a deputy’s use of force in the arrest of a man charged with drug possession.

The Post and Courier reports Charleston County Sheriff’s Office officials are investigating whether Joseph Stokes followed procedure while arresting 27-year-old Lamont Antwaun Simmons at a convenience store Jan. 28. According to the incident report and bystander video, their encounter culminated in Stokes pinning Simmons to the ground.

According to the report, Stokes was in line before his shift and notice Simmons had a white substance in a plastic bag. Simmons resisted Stokes’ attempt to detain him, and Stokes says his body camera was knocked to the ground in an ensuing scuffle.

The substance later tested positive for cocaine.

Both men were evaluated at a hospital.

It’s unclear whether Simmons has a lawyer.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com