New Video Surfaces Of Suspect Being Punched Outside Greene Turtle

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Shocking new video obtained by WJZ raises more concerns about a controversial weekend arrest in Towson. An officer is now under investigation for repeatedly punching an unarmed teenager in the face. Now we're getting an even more disturbing look at what happened.

Meghan McCorkell has reaction.

One expert tells WJZ what he saw in teh video could lead to criminal charges against an officer.

The video---which is going viral---of 19-year-old Zachary Blumenstein on the ground getting punched in the face by a Baltimore County police officer. Now WJZ has obtained disturbing images of the moments before. You can see the officer striking the teen over and over again as he struggles to stay standing. When it ends, Blumenstein has visible injuries.

"They never handled this situation from the beginning," said law enforcement veteran Neill Franklin.

Franklin says that level of force shouldn't have been used.

"There's no evidence of any kind of weapon. There's no evidence of him fighting bank, throwing punches at the officers," Franklin said.

Police say they ordered Blumenstein to leave the sidewalk outside the Greene Turtle after he tried to start a fight. Officers say about 40 minutes later, they saw Blumenstein try and push a man onto York Road. That's when they moved in for the arrest.

According to a police report WJZ obtained, officers say they grabbed Blumenstein's left arm, grasped his shirt collar and pepper sprayed him. They never mention striking him in the face.

"We are reviewing this video. We do take the use of force very seriously in this department," said Elise Armacost, Baltimore County police.

In a statement, she said the deparmtent is looking into "whether in this particular situation this particular use of force is necessary."

But Franklin says with this new video, it may amount to much more.

"Personally, I probably think there should be some criminal charges placed," he said.

A decision that could be made by the state's attorney.

The officer involved in the arrest has now been placed on administrative duty.

Blumenstein now faces multiple charges including resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and failure to obey an officer.