A video posted to the web site TMZ.com shows a member of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office repeatedly punch a suspect's head into the pavement, followed by a stomp delivered from the sole of his boot.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office says a use-of-force investigation is underway.
The web site reports the footage was taken around 6:30 Thursday evening during an arrest in Harvey.
The video shows two deputies holding 59-year-old Le Chau on the ground but apparently struggling to restrain him. Then one of the officers delivers three blows to Chau's head, knocking his head into the pavement.
The lawman then raises his foot and brings it down on Chau's head, again, knocking the individual's head into the pavement.
The sheriff's office says what the video does not show is Chau attacking another deputy.
The sheriff's office said the first deputy on the scene was attempting to handcuff Chau when the suspect violently resisted.
"Chau was able to get an arm around her head and neck, and the fight was in this position when a second deputy arrived," said Capt. Jason Rivarde with JPSO.
The sheriff's office released a screen shot from the deputy's body cam which shows Chau's arm around the other deputy's neck.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff
"As the struggle continued, the second deputy struck Chau in the head multiple times in an attempt to stop his attack on the female deputy. These strikes were able to stop Chau's aggression," and they were able to get him into custody," said Rivarde.
Deputies arrested Chau for battery on an officer, disturbing the peace, drunk and resisting by force or violence.
"Chau was additionally charged with battery of a correctional employee and resisting an officer with force or violence for the incident in the Correctional Center," Rivarde said. "Chau has been arrested over 20 times since 2014, and has multiple convictions for resisting an officer."
