RI Ferguson Protest Prompts Call for Excessive Force Probe

A video of the event shows a man pinned on the ground by several officers

The head of the Providence branch of the NAACP is calling for a probe of whether police used excessive force during a protest of the events in Ferguson, Missouri.

Last month's protest shut down part of Interstate 95.

Video taken by WLNE-TV shows Steven Roberts pinned on the ground by several officers. At least one pushes a skateboard Roberts was carrying on his back onto his head and keeps it there while they handcuff him.

Vincent says it's unclear from the video if excessive force was used, but raises questions that should be answered.

Roberts was one of six arrested at the protest. He pleaded not guilty to disorderly conduct. His lawyer did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

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