By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Police say a weekend brawl at a local club resulted in an officer being placed on administrative leave.
Police Officer Kareem Puranda is “receiving pay, but not performing any police duty until the investigation is complete,” said Police Chief Mark Wilhelm.
A few officers with the Salisbury Police were providing off-duty security Friday night for a private party at La Bamba, 200 Klumac Road.
The officers were outside of the establishment and private security had been hired to work on the inside of the building.
Wilhelm said it is the department’s policy that officers work outside an establishment that is serving alcohol, unless there is a problem.
On the night of the party, there was a fight that involved about 25 people, early reports indicate.
Chief Deputy Steve Whitley said earlier this week the fight began inside and spilled into the parking lot.
A local company, Groundbreaking Video Productions, was shooting footage for the party and captured what appears to be Puranda punching a person at the party who was identified as John Allen Fox, 32.
In the video, which has been posted online, Fox is seen pulling his hand away from the officer and then the officer punches at the man.
Wilhelm said the SBI is conducting a criminal investigation and his department is conducting an internal investigation to determine if policy was followed.
Three arrests were made the night of the party:
– Fox was charged with assault on an officer, resisting arrest and communicating threats.
– His brother, Michael Jeffrey Fox, 29, was charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
– Monique LaQuinda Barber, 22, was charged with two counts of assault on a government official, intoxicated and disruptive and resist, obstruct and delay a public officer.
Barber is said to have shoved a female officer and struck a male officer on the head with her keys.
To see the video, click on the following link: (editor’s note: there is offensive language in the video)
http://www.youtube.com/user/groundbreakingvideo