Video shows New Jersey police officer kicking handcuffed suspect

SALEM, N.J. (AP) -- Video shows a police officer in New Jersey kicking a handcuffed suspect in the head.

Penns Grove Police Officer George Manganaro is charged with aggravated assault and has been suspended as a result of the incident in Carneys Point on Thanksgiving.

"I came downstairs there was a man with his arm through the door trying to unlock it," said homeowner Brian Dobie who was there during the incident.

Dobie called the police, who cuffed and arrested 22-year-old Xaviel Ramos of North Jersey.

The one-minute dashcam video obtained by NJ Advance Media shows Manganaro and another officer speaking to 22-year-old Xaviel Ramos of Hopatcong. Ramos is wearing a jacket and cap but no pants.

The officers placed the burglary suspect on the ground. Manganaro kicked him in the head when he attempted to get up, causing Ramos' cap to fly off his head.

APP USERS: Click here to watch the video

Salem County's prosecutor says Ramos had a minor cut to his face.

Ramos is a Duke University student who apparently lost his way during a drive to see his parents and takes medicine which can leave him confused.

Walter Hudson, a community activist said, "He should be fired and the Attorney General should investigate the police department as a whole."

The Penns Grove's Mayor said he could not speak directly to the officer's case fearing possible legal action, but said police violence was clearly wrong.

"It's not part of their job assignment let's put it that way," said Mayor John Washington.

Meanwhile, community activist Hudson wants the Salem County prosecutor to take control of the Penns Grove police force which he says brutalizes minorities.

"Very oppressive police department and that's what black and Hispanic community goes through on a normal basis," said Hudson.

No one answered when FOX 29's Jeff Cole knocked at the door of Manganaro's home on Monday.

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