A Birmingham, Ala. police detective who was beaten unconscious says that he hesitated to use force because he feared the consequences.
The six-year police veteran said he didn't shoot a suspect who grabbed his gun and pistol-whipped him on Aug. 7 because of the recent controversies surrounding police-involved shootings, according to CNN.
The officer, who asked to remain anonymous for the safety of his family said: "A lot of officers are being too cautious because of what's going on in the media. I hesitated because I didn't want to be in the media like I am right now."
Officials said that the officer was on his way to interview a robbery witness when he spotted a car that was carrying at least two people and traveling erratically on the interstate.
The detective called for backup and told an occupant inside the vehicle to stay inside, but he exited the car and became aggressive towards the officer before pistol-whipping him with his own service weapon.
The officer suffered multiple lacerations to his head and face and was transported to the University of Alabama-Birmingham where he was treated and released the same day. He has not yet returned to duty.
Officials also said that instead of helping, bystanders snapped photos of the bloodied, unconscious detective and posted them on social media.
Police Chief A.C. Roper told the news outlet that the incident involving his officer is part of a much larger problem, in which some people don't respect law enforcement.
"The nobility and integrity of policing has been challenged," he said. "As a profession, we have allowed popular culture to draft a narrative which is contrary to the amazing work that so many officers are doing everyday across this nation."
