Fort Pierce, FL – The Fort Pierce Police Department released body camera footage showing the moments leading up to an officer’s use of force during an arrest under the South Bridge.

The footage shows 42-year-old Justin Ikeler involved in a physical confrontation with a woman before officers attempted to take him into custody.

Ikeler can be heard claiming the woman attacked him with a stick. Police said Ikeler refused officers’ commands and “assumed a fighting stance with his fists.”

An officer then struck Ikeler, took him to the ground and placed him in handcuffs.

Several people who said they witnessed the confrontation reported hearing shouting before seeing the officer take Ikeler to the ground. They also said Ikeler and the woman had previously spent time under the South Bridge.

The incident happened shortly before noon Tuesday. Ikeler was taken to the St. Lucie County Jail, and the case remains under investigation.

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