It's not just Occupiers who are getting beaten by the police these days on video.
Strangely enough, the punch-thrower isn't even a member of the Oakland Police force. The incident involving two Los Angeles County Deputies took place in Bellflower yesterday. These random assaults seem to be contagious: Oakland, Portland, Berkeley, Davis. Now Bellflower. Perhaps the CDC needs to investigate.
As described by the person who shot the video:
"The lady got on the bus with a stroller full of pillows, she was very polite, said hello to everyone and sat down," Green said.
At the next stop, two LA County sheriff's deputies, one male and one female, boarded the bus and called the passenger by name.
"They said get off the bus. She then started cursing at (the female deputy). You could tell she had special needs. After that they grab her, she curses him out, calls him a big shot, next thing you know he gives her a big shot," Green said.
Of course there's the other side of the story. Sort of.
On Wednesday, sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said the woman -- whose identity was not released -- has four prior convictions for assaulting police officers.
Sheriff Lee Baca confirmed it was his understanding the woman was homeless and had a history of mental problems.
"She's noted for having verbal conflicts with people in the community, and she's been noted also to get in verbal conflicts with law enforcement," said Baca. "And she's assaulted on several occasions law enforcement officers...
One witness told NBC LA that prior to the exchange caught on Green's video, the woman shoved both deputies so forcefully that he thought she was on PCP.
Neighbors described the woman as a regular in the area, and she was often seen sleeping behind a nearby CVS. Neighbors also described her as being habitually aggressive and having mental health issues.
The sheriff himself seems to have a clue:
"I think I have an obligation to understand what this lady's plight is. And I have a greater obligation to make sure she's just not spending all this time in jail and then when she gets out she's back on the street," Baca said.
The Deputy, not so much. The woman may have been verbally absusive and even been physically trying to shove the officers. But since when does any police procedure or training, even the post 9/11 variety, involve sucker-punching someone in the jaw?