A viral video showing an Iowa City police officer repeatedly striking a man during an arrest has raised concerns about police use-of-force policies. The video, recorded by a bystander, shows Officer Alirio Arcenas of the Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) hitting Jonathan Kim in the head and torso while attempting to arrest him on March 18, 2025. The incident has sparked debate over what constitutes reasonable force, especially in cases involving physical altercations during arrests.
The Incident: Officer Strikes Suspect During Arrest
The video begins after Officer Arcenas had already started hitting Kim while trying to serve him an arrest warrant. According to the criminal complaint, Kim allegedly struck Arcenas in the face during an attempted arrest, prompting the officer to take him to the ground and strike him multiple times. The video, taken by a bystander, captures the moment when Arcenas repeatedly hits Kim, with one person in the background questioning the officer’s actions.
In the video, Arcenas justifies his use of force by claiming, “He punched me first. That’s how it works. Punch the cops, get punched.” This statement and the officer’s actions have raised concerns about whether the use of force was proportionate to the threat posed by Kim, who had reportedly been resisting arrest but was not armed at the time.
Public Outcry and Legal Considerations
The video has ignited public debate about the use of force in policing, particularly when it comes to handling individuals who may be physically resisting but do not pose an immediate life-threatening danger. Experts like Ethan Rogers, associate director at the University of Iowa Center for Social Science Innovation, have pointed out that use-of-force decisions are often guided by legal precedent and department-specific regulations. In this case, the ICPD’s use-of-force policy considers factors such as the severity of the threat and the conduct of the individual being confronted.
Despite these guidelines, many members of the public question whether the repeated strikes were justified, given that Kim had already been subdued on the ground. Advocacy groups, such as those led by Heather Erwin, argue that de-escalation techniques should have been prioritized to prevent the altercation from escalating to such a level of violence.
ICPD Response and Investigation
The Iowa City Police Department has acknowledged the viral video and the concerns surrounding the incident. Public Safety Information Officer Lee Hermison confirmed that Arcenas, a 16-year veteran of the force, was injured during the arrest and sought medical treatment. Kim was charged with interference with official acts and an outstanding failure-to-appear warrant.
As is standard in use-of-force situations, the ICPD has initiated an internal investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were in line with department policies. This review is being closely monitored by community leaders and activists who are calling for greater transparency in the investigation.
The Broader Conversation: Police Reform and Accountability
This incident has renewed calls for police reform, particularly regarding the use of force during arrests. Advocates for criminal justice reform, like Erwin, emphasize the importance of focusing on community-based intervention and de-escalation tactics to prevent violent confrontations. Erwin also highlighted the role of systemic issues, such as prior criminal records and the alienation of individuals from their communities, in contributing to violent encounters with law enforcement.
The ongoing investigation into the incident will likely influence discussions on police accountability and whether the current policies regarding the use of force need further reform.
Contact Police Brutality Center for Legal Assistance
If you or someone you know has been affected by a police use-of-force incident, especially one involving excessive force during an arrest, you may be entitled to compensation. Police Brutality Center connects individuals with experienced civil rights lawyers who specialize in police misconduct cases. Our partners at Meirowitz & Wasserberg are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of those harmed by law enforcement.
Contact Police Brutality Center today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can assist you in seeking justice.
