PHNOM PENH: A deputy inspector from the Chamkarmon District Police Department went to court on August 16 after video showed him punching a man unconscious while off-duty.

Spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Police, Colonel San Sok Seiha, confirmed to EAC News that the officer was sent to court by the authorities. "Regarding the Deputy Inspector of the Chamkarmorn District Police Inspectorate who used violence related a traffic accident yesterday-this afternoon we will send the case to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court."

Late into the evening of August 14, off-duty officer was caught on camera getting into an altercation with a car owner who had gotten into a minor accident when his Prius jumped a curb in front of a home. At one point, he punches the car owner in the side of the head with no warning, knocking the man unconscious.

After seeing the video, Commissioner of the Phnom Penh Police, Lt. Gen. Sar Thet, ordered the Chamkarmorn Police to take legal action against their Deputy Inspector for using violence against a member of the public.

He said that police officers are not to use violence against citizens who have violated traffic laws, but rather they are required to bring traffic offenders in for questioning, have them sign a contract or and pay fines according to the law.