The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating an arrest made on the Metairie parade route after video shared on social media shows a deputy smack the phone out of the arrested suspect's hand and give him the middle finger before other deputies pull the man to the ground.
A video captured on the Metairie parade route shows a JPSO officers smack the phone out of a man’s hand and give him the finger before other deputies grab the man and force him to the ground.
What led to the altercation is unclear, but the video shows an unidentified deputy knock the phone out of 20-year-old Jacobi Cage’s hand before giving him the finger and walking away. Cage returns the gesture before more deputies grab him and force him to the ground.
According to JPSO, the altercation happened just before 9 p.m. on Friday night at the Centurions parade. Deputies were dispatched to the Lakeside parking garage after receiving a report that 15-20 men were fighting in the area. A 24-year-old Kenner man was arrested at that scene and taken to the hospital for treatment. His injuries occurred before deputies were involved.
The altercation captured in the video was separate from the initial fight. According to JPSO, deputies remained in the area to prevent additional fights from breaking out. Authorities did not say what led to the altercation but said they are investigating after seeing the video.
“I’ve seen the video. I’m not happy about it,” Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said. “I believe our officers should perform in a better manner. Obviously, in this case, he let his emotions get in the way of him just doing his job. When the investigation is complete and I get all the statements in front of me, I fully intend to take some disciplinary action on it … No excuse from me, we certainly shouldn’t act that way.”
Cage was arrested for disturbing the peace, resisting and officer and battery on a police officer. He was released later that night.
Anyone with additional information on, or video of, either of these incidents to contact our Investigations Bureau at 504-364-5300.