California Cop Suspended for Punching Handcuffed Latina

The Westminster Police Department in California has suspended an officer who recently punched a handcuffed Latina arrestee.

According to Newsweek, the police department suspended an unnamed cop who was caught on cell phone video punching 34-year-old Latina, Ciomara Garcia.

The incident happened in the 14000 block of Locust Street in Westminster, California at around 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Fox 11 reported that the officers were dispatched to the area for a call of an assault with battery. The 34-year-old Latina reportedly appeared to be exhibiting signs of being under the influence at the time.

California Cop Punching the Latina

A video obtained by TMZ shows that a cop from Westminster Police landed two punches on Garcia's face while she was held down by two other officers. A fourth officer then tried to push the attacking cop away from the Latina.

Police said the officers responded to a 911 call reporting about a Latina assaulting an Asian woman who tried to rescue a dog running in the street.

The video shows that Ciomara Garcia appeared to have kicked the officer in the groin before the cop was seen punching her twice. As police waited for the paramedics to arrive, the officers said that Garcia became combative with the cops and non-compliant.

After she was brought to a hospital that determined that Ciomara Garcia had no injuries, the Westminster Police Department said that the Latina has been detained because of an outstanding warrant for vandalism.

The Orange County district attorney's office told the Los Angeles Times that police might also charge the Latina for assault and battery, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer, and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The Westminster Police Department noted that the cop would remain on administrative leave while the department's internal affairs division investigates the punching incident that happened amid the growing number of protests against police brutality, New York Post reported.

The three cops namely Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng, who stood and watched Derek Chauvin choke the life out of George Floyd are now facing criminal charges for not intervening.

Latina and Asian Woman Dispute

The witness who recorded the video said the Latina was walking her dog when the Asian woman on a bicycle was moving towards Garcia.

The Latina allegedly told the bicyclist to move because she might run over her dog. However, the Asian woman became upset and "took it the wrong way."

The Asian woman was reported to come back five minutes later to the area with the Westminster Police Department officers, telling them that Garcia hit her.

The Westminster Police Department is now working with the Orange County District Attorney's Office in evaluating the use of force showed by their officer. The two offices will collaborate to determine if criminal charges are to be warranted against the said police.

WATCH: Officer On Leave After Social Media Video Shows Him Punching Woman During Arrest - From Fox 11