Watch CBS News

Philadelphia Police Officer Facing Charges After Bizarre 2013 Incident Caught On Tape

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A Philadelphia police officer is facing charges after an incident involving him was caught on cell phone video.

On Mar. 31, 2013 around 2 a.m., Officer Kevin Corcoran was reportedly on duty near 13th and Lombard Streets when he encountered a group of people on the sidewalk who commented that Corcoran had made an illegal turn.

Officer Corcoran, who was in uniform, then drove up to the group and exited the vehicle and began yelling at the people on the sidewalk.

At that point, multiple witnesses started taping the incident using their cell phones, and Officer Corcoran proceeded to slap the phone out of one person's hands and shouted, "Don't [expletive] touch me!"

Officer Corcoran then continued to walk towards the man, who was backing up with his arms out in front of him. Officer Corcoran pushed the victim, grabbed him by the chest, threw him against the side of the police car, handcuffed him and loaded him in the back of the car before speeding off with the victim in the back seat.

Officials say the entire incident was caught on tape.

Officer Corcoran allegedly drove the victim to an unknown street off of North Broad, claiming he was arresting the man for public intoxication; however, Corcoran did not file any of the required paperwork, had no evidence the victim was intoxicated and was driving in the opposite direction of the 17th Police District, where he worked.

The victim reportedly told the officer he'd never been arrested before and was an Operation Iraqi Freedom war veteran, and Officer Corcoran returned to the area of 13th and Rodman Streets, where he released the victim without charges.

According to officials, the entire incident took approximately 16 minutes.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office says Officer Corcoran is now facing charges of False Imprisonment, Obstructing Administration of Law, and Official Oppression.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.