MELBOURNE, Fla. – A Melbourne police officer who was on paid administrative leave earlier this month has been arrested, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Christopher William Eisen II, 47, was arrested and charged with felony battery against a suspect.
The incident occurred on April 5 when Eisen was transporting a suspect to a local hospital per protocol, the FDLE says.
"We absolutely will not tolerate these types of activities and will be thorough and relentless when allegations such as these arise. In this case, the process used by our supervisors to review each use of force scenario uncovered this incident and we took immediate action to have it investigated. Our officers are devoted to maintaining the utmost professionalism even in the face of provocation," Chief Mimbs said.
The FDLE states that Eisen punched the suspect several times in the face with a closed fist.
"The Melbourne Police Department is committed to protecting and faithfully serving the community of the Melbourne," Mimbs said. "In this case, the process used by our supervisors to review each use-of-force scenario uncovered this incident and we took immediate action to have it investigated. Our officers are devoted to maintaining the utmost professionalism even in the face of provocation. The Melbourne Police Department will continue to be committed to having a transparent relationship with the community we serve."
Eisen turned himself into the Brevard County Jail and was released on bond. Police said he will be placed on administrative sSuspension without pay pending an internal review.