PHNOM PENH: The Phnom Penh Police Department ordered the Chamkarmon Police Inspectorate to take legal action against one of their deputy inspectors who harassed and then violently attacked a man who had a minor car accident on state property.

A video posted to Facebook showed an incident from the early morning of August 14, when an off-duty officer got into an altercation with a man who had jumped a curb with his Prius. The video shows the officer slurring his words, trying to leave the scene after attacking the man, then ultimately punching the man from the side without warning, knocking him out.

According to witnesses, after the car jumped the curb and came to a stop, an off-duty officer drove up on his PCX motorbike and attempted to arraign the man. The police officer was aggressive and verbally harassed the man before hitting him. Video shows the car owner hitting the officer in response, demanding his credentials and asking for his place of work. While the man is on the phone with police to report the incident, the off-duty police officer sucker punches him in the head, knocking him unconscious.

Phnom Penh Police spokesperson Colonel San Sok Seiha confirmed to EAC News that Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Sar Thet had ordered the Chamkarmon District Police Inspectorate to take legal action against the Deputy Inspector who used violence against a member of the public.

"For people who drive in violation of traffic laws or cause damage to public property, we [police officers] should call them [traffic offenders] to make a contract or reimbursement and fine according to the law. As police officers, we must not use such violence on people."