[Video] Off-Duty BPD Officer Under Investigation for Hitting Man

An off-duty Buffalo Police Department officer was seen on video hitting and holding down a man. He is now under internal investigation by the Department.

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Credit: WKBW

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The Buffalo Police Department has launched an internal investigation after an off-duty officer was seen on video hitting a man and holding him down until police arrived. The officer, Richard Hy, is seen holding the man down on Elmwood Avenue, according to WKBW. The incident apparently began with the unidentified man acting erratically. Witnesses say he was running into the street and taking off his clothes. Police and a social worker were called to the scene to evaluate the man.

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The man was also allegedly cursing and spitting, according to what witnesses told WKBW. Hy, who was wearing his New York Army National Guard uniform, can be seen hitting the man a few times and sitting on his chest. The man hit Hy's truck, according to witnesses. He also spit and threw his skateboard at him. Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo said the man was deemed to be ok, stating he did not pose a threat to himself or others. He was taken to ECMC for evaluation.

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Some of the witnesses said Hy's actions were too aggressive. Kimberlyn Scott told WKBW,

"It was really terrible. He didn't have to do what he did to him. The guy has a problem, he really does."

Another witness, who wanted to remain anonymous told Channel 7 Hy's response was excessive,

"He was being very aggressive about it. It seemed to me that he was race-baiting."

Hy has had previous disciplinary issues. He was suspended without pay for creating an "Angry Cops" video series. He also was suspended for getting into an altercation with some teens from West Seneca.