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Use of force expert weighs in Mayfair Mall viral arrest videos

Posted at 6:13 PM, May 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-25 19:14:13-04

A local expert with more than 35 years of use of force experience gave his input on the Mayfair Mall arrest from two weeks ago.

Wauwatosa Police say the use of force review reveals Officer Evan Olson told five males to stop numerous times and they refused.

Use of Force Expert Bob Willis took a look at two separate videos with TODAY’S TMJ4.

"To me simply looking at it, it would appear that this individual isn't cooperating with the police officer,” Willis said. "The officer quickly closed the gap and laid on hands, that's justifiable, that's just plain good police work."

Police say they were called to the mall because the males were causing a disturbance and acting disorderly. Once Olson came in contact with one of them, a teen, a tussle occurred and during the arrest the teen was punched in the face.

"In my view, knowing what I know at this point today, I have no problem with the officer using that one strike to get that individual down to the ground,” Willis said.

As for the second punch, Willis said, "Well once they're on the ground officers are trained that they must hand cuff an individual.”

The teen was arrested and cited for battery, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.

Willis said there is at least one grey area with the videos. 

"Well one grey area is we don't know what is being said,” Willis said.

Reports say the teen was yelling and swearing at the officer. Willis has testified in court both for and against police force. The family is suing the police department.