A Sarasota, Florida, cop seen on a video tossing peanuts at a handcuffed homeless man has resigned, officials said Tuesday.
Officer Andrew Halpin, a nine-year veteran of the Sarasota Police Department, was under investigation after the surveillance video taken at the Sarasota County Jail on July 18 was made public last week.
Police Chief Bernadette DiPino said in a statement that Halpin's actions in the video were "unacceptable" — but he made the choice to resign before providing an explanation to internal affairs.
"I expect our Officers to uphold the highest levels of ethical behavior and treat all citizens with dignity and respect while serving our community," DiPino said. The full investigation is expected to be completed by Wednesday.
In the video, Halpin is seen pitching peanuts at Randy Miller, 44, who opens his mouth and tries to catch them. Miller had been arrested for trespassing at a convenience store, reported NBC affiliate WFLA.
Police say he was intoxicated during his arrest, and ate some of the peanuts off the floor when Halpin kicked them closer to him.
Two other officers can be seen in the background while the incident occurs.
The two-and-a-half minute video was first obtained by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune through a public records request.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which called the video "humiliating," had earlier demanded for Halpin to be fired.
