SANFORD, N.C. -- The SBI is investigating after a video showing the Harnett County Sheriff's Office arresting multiple people surfaced on social media. 

  • A controversial video has surfaced showing Harnett County sheriff deputies arresting multiple individuals.
  • Some say the video shows the deputies being overly forceful and acting unlawfully.
  • One of the deputies has been placed on administrative leave. 

The video shows two deputies arresting a man. A short way into the video a young woman can be seen being forced to the ground and arrested apparently over actions involving a cell phone. 

The sheriff's office says the arrests strung from a complaint they received about drug activity and firearm possession in the area. 

 

 

The office says deputies responded to the complaint and located a vehicle that matched a description given by the caller. When they approached the car they say they smelled marijuana.

The officers detained the four occupants of the car and say marijuana was found.

In addition, the driver of the vehicle was found to have an outstanding criminal warrant and a handgun was also located inside the vehicle.

Following the video surfacing, some are arguing that the deputies used unnecessary force and were unlawful when attempting to confiscate a cell phone. 

Sheriff Wayne Coats says one of the deputies in the video has been placed on administrative leave. 

The deputies' names have not been released.

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