A video of an 18-year-old seemingly having a seizure after being punched repeatedly by an officer is making the rounds on the internet. The teen, identified as Cameron Williams, was recently apprehended by officers from the Kinston Police Department in North Carolina. According to a woman who witnessed and filmed the incident, Williams was allegedly targeted because he was wearing a ski mask.
In a post shared online, the witness said she saw police trailing the teen through the Richard Green area before one officer approached and handcuffed him, and slammed him to the ground.
As bystanders shout in protest, the footage begins with the officer already on top of Williams, throwing punches. One voice, reportedly that of his brother, calls out in distress at the officer’s extreme use of force.
While on the ground, Williams appears to suffer a seizure during the encounter, heightening concern from those present. “He waited until he got in the street, walked up on him and just put him in handcuffs, slammed him and started punching this KID all because he had a ski mask on,” the woman who filmed the video wrote.
The Kinston Police Department later issued a statement confirming Williams’ arrest. They said officers were responding to a report of breaking and entering and larceny. Williams is now facing a Communicating Threats charge and a Resisting a Public Officer charge. According to the statement, medics were called to the scene for a possible medical issue, but Williams reportedly refused treatment once they arrived.
Police say the incident is under investigation and that a full review will be conducted, including evaluation of officer reports, witness accounts, and body-worn camera footage. They’ve asked for the public’s patience as they continue their internal process.
Meanwhile, according to the witness’s post, the teen’s mother, Ashley Williams, thanked her for filming the video. She also shared that her son’s bond was set at $15,000 and asked for help from anyone willing to assist in securing his release.
