An officer with the New York Police Department has been indicted on misdemeanor assault charges for kicking a subdued man during an arrest last summer.

Video footage of the July 23 incident shows Officer Joel Edouard, 37, along with another cop, struggling to arrest Jahmiel Cuffee in the Bedford-Stuyvestant section of Brooklyn after they claim he appeared to be in possession of marijuana, New York Daily News reports. Several bystanders recorded the incident using camera phones, while others shouted at police for being overly aggressive.

In the video, Cuffee is seen resisting arrest and tussling with the officers before other cops arrived on the scene. Eventually, the officers managed to get the 32-year-old carpenter on the ground. That's when Edouard momentarily pulled out his gun and pointed it in Cuffee's face. He also appeared to stomp on Cuffee's head while he was lying on the ground.

Edouard, who was arraigned on assault, attempted assault and official misconduct, appeared in the Brooklyn Supreme Court on Tuesday and entered a not guilty plea.

According to Edouard's lawyer, the cop is innocent and was acting in the context of "an extended period of resisting arrest by the individual, Mr. Cuffee," said attorney Stephen Worth.

"The so-called kick was part of the arrest process and to attempt to get his hand in custody so he can get handcuffed. It's not a kick, we'll leave that for trial," added the attorney following the arraignment.

Cuffee, however, said he applauds Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson for holding the eight-year veteran responsible.

"I'm very grateful to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office for taking the initiative to hold this individual accountable," he said.

Thompson also released a statement.

"Police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe. However, this defendant allegedly stomped on the head of a suspect as he lay on the ground, which is unacceptable for a police officer. While a serious matter, this indictment should not reflect on the great work being done throughout the city by the vast majority of police officers who perform their duties honorably," the statement said reports CBS New York.

Edouard was released without bail on his own recognizance and is set to reappear in court on March 24. He is currently on desk duty and faces up to a year in jail if found guilty.

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