WARNING: Video contains graphic footage that some readers may find disturbing.
California Highway Patrol have launched an investigation after shocking footage showing a police officer violently punching a women repeatedly on the head while she lies on the ground has surfaced online.
The short clip shows the officer chasing the woman over a busy highway onto the central reservation area where he forces her to the ground and begins punching her in the head.
An off-duty officer can be then seen running to assist the man restrain the woman.
In a statement to
KABC-TV, the California Highway Patrol that the woman was resisting arrest and as standard practice will be investigate whether the level of force used was necessary.
"A physical altercation ensued as the pedestrian continued to resist arrest, at which point a plain clothes, off-duty officer assisted in applying the handcuffs."
David Diaz, the man who filmed the violent arrest, said: "There was no weapon, it’s obviously excess force at this point. He could have easily calmed her down.
"You can use strength without punching".
As previously stated above, the video contains graphic footage and scenes of violence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a54KRz0EGA
Video via YouTube/VideoForYou 
