Dashcam video shows officers crack windshield with suspect's face

LORAIN, Ohio -- During a 2014 arrest, a man was slammed against a police cruiser so hard his face cracked the windshield, according to newly released video that is part of a federal lawsuit against an Ohio police department.

Officers, however, said the video only tells part of the story.

"Disturbing. Shocking. I think it's kind of difficult to watch," said defense attorney Mark Petroff.

Petroff represents 30-year-old Pele Smith, the man whose face was slammed against the windshield by Officer Zachary Ferenec so forcefully that the glass cracked.

"I don't know what type of force it takes to break a windshield, but I would imagine it's pretty substantial," Petroff told WEWS-TV.

During the altercation, Smith's chin made impact with the vehicle. He went to the hospital, but did not need stitches.

Smith was being arrested over suspicions of drug trafficking, for which he has been convicted before.

A police spokesman was advised by city lawyers not to speak on camera, but said off camera that officers had to use greater force because Smith was resisting arrest. They said the slam was not intentional.

"It's not an accident. You watch the video and you certainly will form the same opinion. In fact, it looks like he was lifted up and slammed into the windshield," Petroff said.

Smith is suing the department for monetary damages.