An Upstate officer accused of beating a teen with a flashlight has been fired and is now under investigation.
Veteran Sgt. Eddie Webb was fired from the Honea Path Police Department after the police chief saw the video of the incident.
In his report, Webb said several young people were driving an all-terrain vehicle without lights and wouldn't pull over, even when the officer turned on his siren.
From dashcam video, Webb can be seen using a flashlight to knock a teenage suspect off the ATV. The 16-year-old was hit two more times before Webb pulled out his handcuffs.
It was Aug. 15 when the teenagers were first spotted on Sanders Street at 3 a.m. When Webb's blue lights came on, dashcam video showed that the teenagers didn't stop, but they did pull over for a moment.
A chase lasted for about two minutes. Webb's report said the teenagers ran four stop signs and, when the driver pulled over, the report said the ATV was still running and in a position to "pull back off." That's when Webb said he pushed the teenager off the vehicle.
Webb's report said he hit the teenager in a "straight baton technique to gain compliance" and that he found a "BB pistol" on the driver.
Due to the ongoing investigation, the Honea Path police chief wasn't able to go on camera but gave a statement to News 4.
"We have dealt with this situation that occurred on Aug. 15," the chief said. "Sgt. Webb was relieved of duty from the town of Honea Path on Aug. 17. Our findings in this case were forwarded to SLED and Solicitor Chrissy Adams. Because we're dealing with a personnel issue, there's no further comment."
Webb had been with the department for six years but was in law enforcement for about 20, according to the town.
SLED is investigating to determine if Webb should face charges.
Legally, police could only release the name of one of the four suspects because the other three are underage.
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