"This is the latest in half-truths reported by the national media about law enforcement," Norman said.
The accusation aired by a Tulsa television station arose from the arrest of Gary Hubbs in July. Hubbs is alleged to have held up the Henryetta Dollar General Store, threatening a cashier with a knife.Hubbs was being chased on foot across Interstate 40 and eventually subdued by officers after a taser was used. The foot pursuit involved several officers.
In the store video, a person Norman said was Hubbs can be seen following the clerk behind the counter and brandishing a cut-down machete. Another video clip shows several customers running from the store ahead of the robber.
The individual in the video was wearing a cap, long-sleeved shirt and a backpack. Officers found the backpack after the pursuit along with the weapon believed to have been used.
A Tulsa civil rights attorney says a review of the body-worn video seems to indicate an officer put his foot on the subject's neck while he was being restrained.
Police chief Steve Norman said the officer helped restrain Hubbs relieving the policeman who had chased him down.
"We sent the video to District Attorney Rob Barris to be reviewed," Norman said. He went on to say, "The Tulsa news media shows five seconds of an officer restraining him so the other officers can catch their breath. They were running after the suspect in July on a day that had a 110 heat index."
Henryetta police officers have been using body cameras for more than two years to prevent just such allegations. "The number of complaints has really declined since we put those in operation."
Hubbs has had numerous brushes with the law including several theft and arson charges. He is facing felony charges of robbery with a weapon and will have an arraignment in district court Sept. 30.
"Our officers are trained in restraining a prisoner and do not use more force than necessary. This is the latest in a nationwide attack on police officers," Norman said.