Video shows Murrieta officer striking suspect on ground

MURRIETA, Calif. (KABC) -- Video posted online shows a violent confrontation between an Inland Empire police officer and a trespassing suspect who was allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance.

The video, recorded on a cellphone, shows a Murrieta officer repeatedly using his baton to strike a suspect who was already on the ground face down. The video was posted on Facebook but was later removed.

The incident happened Tuesday night in front of a CVS store in the 25000 block of Hancock Avenue in Murrieta.

Police identified the suspect as 22-year-old Alejandro Rojo of Murrieta.

Investigators said Rojo was reportedly ripping open packages of medical supplies and possibly ingesting them prior to the arrival of police. Exactly what he ingested is being determined by authorities.

Additional video released by police shows what happened earlier inside the store. Rojo is seen struggling with the officer, and police say he tried to grab the officer's gun away from him. An officer broke his hand during the struggle.

The officers' use-of-force is being investigated.

Police are aware of the cellphone video and want to speak with the person who recorded it.

Rojo was arrested on several charges, including attempting to disarm a police officer, resisting a police officer causing injury, trespassing and being under the influence of a controlled substance.