CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A Coral Gables police officer has been relieved of duty with pay for allegedly battering a 17-year-old boy who was in custody, authorities announced Wednesday.
Coral Gables police spokeswoman Kelly Denham said there is an ongoing criminal and Internal Affairs investigation into the incident.
The officer was identified by police Chief Edward J. Hudak at a news conference as Officer Andrew Hammann.
Hudak said the teen was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing a car and claimed that Hammann beat and kicked him while taking him into custody.
Hudak said Hammann tried to pull over the teen and a short pursuit ensued. He said the chase ended with a crash just outside city limits near Southwest Eighth Street and 32nd Avenue.
The teen was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, which he claimed he suffered at the hands of the officer.
"His allegations will be fully investigated," Hudak said.
Hammann has been employed by the Police Department for five years.
He was named officer of the month in August 2014 for arresting two robbery suspects that he pulled over when he saw their vehicle speeding out of a motel.
Hammann has not been charged with a crime, but authorities said the investigation is ongoing.