BROWARD COUNTY FLORIDA, A video circulating online shows an incident involving Christopher Newkirk and deputies from the Broward Sheriff’s Office during an arrest that left him with several injuries, including a broken nose.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies initially stopped Newkirk because of tinted windows on his vehicle. Authorities said that during the stop he was allegedly found in possession of fentanyl, Xanax, flakka, and crack cocaine.
Deputies stated that when they attempted to arrest Christopher Newkirk, who officials said was on federal probation, he allegedly resisted and became violent. Authorities reported that Newkirk struck one deputy in the face and pushed another deputy to the ground.
Officials said one deputy was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries to his ankle and wrist.
Christopher Newkirk was later booked on several charges, including trafficking fentanyl, covering side windows with a sunscreen, three counts of resisting arrest, and three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer.
Family members have raised concerns about the incident after a video of the arrest began circulating online.
Reketa Williams wrote in a social media post that she believes drugs were planted and that deputies used excessive force during the arrest. She alleged that her cousin suffered serious injuries including broken teeth, a broken nose and jaw, and damage to his eye socket.
The video reportedly shows three deputies restraining the man on the ground. At one point, one deputy appears to strike the individual in the face while another deputy is seen delivering multiple blows to the head.
Chrishelle Newkirk said she was upset after seeing the video involving her father, 41-year-old Christopher Newkirk.
“I can’t keep looking at that,” she said. “That breaks my heart.”
According to family members, Newkirk was left with a swollen eye, cuts and scrapes on his face, and a deep gash on his forehead following the incident.
Authorities have not released additional details, and the situation remains under review.
