Black Lives Matter Planning Protest Outside Mesa PD

Black Lives Matter announced on Facebook that they will rally at Mesa police headquarters in response to two recent events that have come under criticism for excessive force.

Recently released video reportedly showed Mesa police officers punching a man named Robert Johnson at an apartment complex, according to ABC15 . Three officers and a sergeant are on administrative leave while the department investigates that incident.

Days later, the arrest of a 15-year-old armed robbery suspect was called into question. Mesa PD has launched an internal investigation and placed two of the officers involved on administrative leave.

Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista posted a statement on Twitter saying, “The events seen this week are unacceptable for a police department with our grand stature. We are at a critical time in the organization. We have lost our way in this arena. You deserve the best!”